Records retention schedules are central to proper records management. Retention schedules are inventories, or lists, of all types of records that agencies create, use or maintain. These schedules also provide information indicating how long a record should be kept to meet legal requirements and business needs, as well as what should happen to the record when no longer required. Maintaining documentation of essential transactions and information of an agency over time requires that certain records be retained permanently, while efficient, effective business operations dictate that selected records be destroyed when of no further use.
KDLA creates records retention schedules to help organizations decide which records to keep and which ones to destroy in accordance with the requirements of Kentucky’s State Archives and Records Act
[KRS 171.410 – KRS 171.740].
Effective records management requires the regular application of retention schedules. The library will better maintain its records in compliance with legal requirements and best business practices by using the retention schedules below.
A schedule for dealing with the retention of library-specific records is the
Public Library & Library Board Records Retention Schedule.
In addition, libraries will use the
Local Governments General Records Retention Schedule for general records created and used by government agencies and district.
Further help on maintenance of electronic records, including e-mail and digital imaging, is available on the KDLA website here.
Documenting the removal of materials is an important part of records management. Use the
Records Destruction Certificate to document destruction of records at the Library. A printed copy of the completed and signed form should be sent to the KDLA Public Records Division. Any questions about disposal of documents should be directed to the Local Records Branch Manager of the Public Records Division at KDLA.
All records that the library produces are considered public records. The majority of these records are to be made available to anyone requesting to see them. The Open Records Act [KRS 61.870 – KRS 61.884] charges each library, as a public agency, to appoint an Official Custodian of the library’s records. In most cases, the library director is the official custodian of the records. As such, they are responsible for the maintenance, care and keeping of public records, regardless of whether such records are within actual personal custody and control. The custodian also oversees requests for documents by the public in accordance with the Open Records Act.
The highlights of the Open Records Act have been outlined in two documents created by the Attorney General’s Office and these can provide additional information on making the library’s records available upon request. These documents are:
The Kentucky Open Records & Open Meetings Acts: A guide for the public and public agencies and
Managing Government Records. These two documents are to be provided to board trustees within 60 days of their appointment.