Electronic Currents

Feet on the Ground, One Step at a Time: Developing an Electronic Records Management Framework for State and Local Government

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Abstract

The Illinois State Archives has (pardon the pun) a lot of history behind it. Since its establishment in 1922, the archives has overseen the careful preservation of state government records. Additionally, in conjunction with the Illinois State and Local Records Commissions, the archives oversees the retention and disposal of all nonpermanent records held by state and local agencies of government. Illinois has three records commissions: one for state government agencies and two for local units of government, such as cities, counties, townships, and so on. These commissions receive their authority to oversee the management and disposal of government records through the State and Local Records Acts. The procedures for how the commissions oversee the records and what responsibilities units of government have for their records are detailed in the Illinois Administrative Code1 (the Code). Specific requirements, such as the procedures for creating a records schedule, the process for transfer or disposal of records, and the creation of microfilm, are primarily listed in the Code. The Illinois State Archives acts on behalf of the commissions to oversee these processes. Over time, the archives has created a framework for developing requirements, guidance documents, and general best practices to assist state and local agencies in managing their paper format records. Recently, we have created a similar framework for electronic format records. I will provide an overview of the process for creating this framework and the lessons learned from the experience.

How to Cite:

Stenson, K., (2015) “Feet on the Ground, One Step at a Time: Developing an Electronic Records Management Framework for State and Local Government”, MAC Newsletter 43(2), 20-22.