We have recently published three new materials to help agencies in advance of the upcoming transition of administrations. Two of the products are targeted at political appointees, a video briefing and 1-page handout. Each are titled “Records Management Guidance for Political Appointees”
This video features an introduction from the Archivist of the United States and describes what political appointees should know when they enter, while they work, and when they leave Federal service. The video is available on NARA’s Records Management YouTube Playlist. For agencies that block YouTube at work, we have made the file available for download here. The handout reinforces the points made in the video briefing. Agencies are encouraged to share the materials with political appointees.
Additionally, we have created Model Federal Records and Information Management Entrance and Exit Checklists. These checklists describe basic common records management responsibilities and tasks all individuals should complete when entering or leaving Federal service. The checklists are posted online in a Microsoft Word format to allow records management staff to easily adapt the materials to their specific agency needs.
When preparing for the entrance and exit of employees, agencies should:
- start as early as possible in each phase of service,
- integrate records management training into existing practices and procedures, and
- ensure the removal of any material by an individual is cleared by appropriate staff.
It is important to stress to political appointees and departing officials that records and information they created in the course of their official duties must remain under control of the agency. By ensuring departing officials are aware of Federal records management requirements, agencies can ensure official actions and decisions are documented and preserved for future generations.
If you have any questions about these materials, please email PRMD@nara.gov.