General Retention Schedules

Records and Information Management Publications for State and Local Government Agencies

The following publications on records and information management are listed in PDF format and also available in MS Word 6.0. To view and print the PDF files you must have Adobe's Acrobat Reader which may be obtained for free from the Adobe web site.

The Word version requires you to download the file to your local computer and use Word to read them.

Some publications are specific to State agencies or to Local Governments. Review the description of the publication to be sure that it applies to your government type. If you have questions or comments you can e-mail the records management section at: thoward@secstate.wa.gov or contact the Regional Archivist for your area.

ESSENTIAL RECORDS & DISASTER PREPAREDNESS MANUAL

Adobe Acrobat
Microsoft Word

Appendix A - Adobe Acrobat | Microsoft Word
Appendix B - Adobe Acrobat | Microsoft Word
Appendix C - Adobe Acrobat | Microsoft Word
Appendix D - Adobe Acrobat | Microsoft Word
Appendix E - Adobe Acrobat | Microsoft Word

RECORDS MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES FOR ALL LOCAL GOVERNMENT AGENCIES

This publication contains the basics of program planning and laws and regulations relating to local government records. Washington State Law provides that all local governments promote and support the orderly and efficient management of their records. This publication provides advice and guidance on how and why local governments should use the records retention and disposition schedules developed by the State Archives and Records Management Division. It helps local governments develop records management programs that can meet present-day needs and respond to future changes and demands.

*** CURRENTLY UNDER REVIEW ***

INVENTORYING AND SCHEDULING GUIDELINES FOR ALL STATE GOVERNMENT AGENCIES

Inventorying and Scheduling Guidelines (PDF) Updated July 2007
Inventorying and Scheduling Guidelines (Word) Updated July 2007

GENERAL RECORDS RETENTION SCHEDULE FOR AGENCIES OF WASHINGTON STATE GOVERNMENT