MANAGING GUBERNATORIAL RECORDS A GUIDE FOR GOVERNORS

Abstract

Records management is one of the basic responsibilities of every gubernatorial administration. Thorough record keeping enhances services and improves operations while the governor is in office. It also signals that the administration supports open government, transparency, and accountability—concepts that have become bywords for good government and practices to which every administration will undoubtedly wish to aspire. At the end of an administration, record keeping ensures the preservation of archival records that have enduring value. Gubernatorial archives present a rich source of information regarding specific programs, policies, issues, legal decisions, and procedures that impact the citizens of the state. This guide is designed to help governors and their staff members make informed decisions about managing one of the state’s most important assets—the records of the governor’s office. There are many important issues to consider when developing and implementing systematic record-keeping processes. Some key decisions include distinguishing between official and personal records; establishing a comprehensive records management program, preferably within the context of an enterprise-wide approach to managing all records of state government or, at least all records of the executive branch; and preserving electronic media and digital records, including e-mail, text messages, websites, and the content of social media.