(uplifting inspiring music) - [Instructor] Number one,
the records that you create belong to your agency, not you. We create and use records, including paper and/or electronic. And yes, this includes email, and perhaps social media, as part of our jobs with the agency, so the records belong to the agency, not us as individuals. Number two, you are responsible for managing your records. Among your other responsibilities
as a federal employee, you also need to properly
manage your records. These records must remain
both accessible and readable throughout their entire retention period. This includes proper arrangement, access, protection, and final disposition. Number three, records
retention is governed by your agency's retention schedule. You may be wondering,
how long should I keep the records that I create and use? Look to your agency's
records retention schedule, and/or your office file
plan for the answers. And very importantly, once the
retention period has ended, records should be disposed of
promptly and appropriately. Number four, you need to be aware of your agency's
FOIA/Privacy Act requirements for your records. Federal agencies are
accountable to the public, and the records that we create and use may be requested for
viewing under the Freedom of Information Act, FOIA. On the other hand, if you
work with confidential or sensitive information,
your records might instead be non-releasable under
the FOIA or Privacy Act. Connect with your agency's
information management resources to determine how these
laws apply to your records. Number five, you have resources to help you manage your records. As a federal employee, you are not alone. All you need to do is identify your local records management contacts,
your regional resources, and headquarters records management staff. Also, talk with your colleagues
and predecessor, if available. And for federal-wide guidelines, and even some historical inspiration, check out the website of the
National Archives and Records Administration. (uplifting inspiring music)
