Government Records Management: NARA Standards and Public Archiving

Government and public sector organizations generate vast amounts of critical data that must be systematically preserved, organized, and made accessible. Managing these public assets requires a clear understanding of federal standards, legal compliance, and modern archival best practices. This course guides you through the core principles of public records management, specifically focusing on the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) guidelines. You will transition from understanding basic archival concepts to implementing modern electronic records workflows. What you'll learn: - Understand the foundational principles of public records management and NARA compliance. - Categorize and schedule records for retention, transfer, and permanent archiving. - Implement modern electronic records management (ERM) systems and metadata standards. - Apply security, privacy, and access controls to sensitive public and housing data. - Manage physical and digital preservation workflows for long-term accessibility. - Navigate the legal requirements governing public information and records disclosure. Starting with key terminology and legal frameworks, you will progress through practical methodologies for scheduling, digitizing, and safeguarding vital public records. This course is designed for beginners in public administration, urban planning, housing services, and archival science, with no prior records management experience required. Start your journey toward mastering public sector archiving and compliance today.