Retention periods apply to all local government records.

Retention periods apply to all local government records.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Not applicable
• D. Only for official records

Answer: (B)

Retention periods are tied to records defined by the local government’s official records schedule, not to every item a government entity handles. Some materials aren’t considered records and therefore don’t have a retention period attached. These can include non-records or ephemeral items (like temporary notes or draft materials with no ongoing value) that aren’t created or received in the course of official business. For official records, the schedule specifies how long they must be kept, but not everything you encounter qualifies as a record with a retention requirement. That’s why the statement is not accurate.

Retention periods are tied to records defined by the local government’s official records schedule, not to every item a government entity handles. Some materials aren’t considered records and therefore don’t have a retention period attached. These can include non-records or ephemeral items (like temporary notes or draft materials with no ongoing value) that aren’t created or received in the course of official business. For official records, the schedule specifies how long they must be kept, but not everything you encounter qualifies as a record with a retention requirement. That’s why the statement is not accurate.