They can reside on computer tapes, disks, or diskettes. Records may be in digital, video or audio format and they may exist as maps, microfilm, and photographs. Local government records are public property. Public records must be properly organized and retained or discarded according to federal and state regulations. These records must be protected, preserved, and available for use by government departments and the public.
Local governments create, receive, and hold some of the nation's most valuable records.
These records are the closest and most personal of public records. The value of these records is priceless. Local Government Records protect the rights and interests of the people. Local government offices are responsible for the proper management, preservation, and accessibility of their records. Often an official is designated in each office to supervise the records management program.