After creation, federal records—documents or items that a federal agency creates or receives and controls—begin a journey called the “records life cycle,” which includes maintenance, use, and disposition.
Maintenance and use: Federal records come in many forms—paper files, emails, spreadsheets, or videos. We store them securely, whether in electronic systems or physical cabinets, ensuring accessibility to those who need them. Should a legal case or audit arise, we place a hold on relevant records, preventing their disposal.
Disposition: Disposition marks the final stage of a record’s life, determining its fate after active use ends. Not all records are destroyed. The National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) categorizes federal records as either temporary or permanent.
- Temporary Records: Most federal records are temporary and are retained for a specified period. Once NARA approves their destruction, they are typically shredded or deleted.
- Permanent Records: Some federal records are permanent because of their historical value or long-term necessity. These are transferred to the National Archives for preservation.
UCOR follows specific NARA and agency guidelines at each stage of a record’s life, ensuring our records remain organized, secure, and dispositioned appropriately.
