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Q. What is historical value? <br /> A. Historical records document significant events,actions,decisions,conditions, relationships,and similar <br /> developments. These records have administrative, legal,fiscal,or evidential importance for the <br /> government or its citizens. Call the Records Management Analyst assigned to your county for further <br /> assistance. <br /> Q. I don't have any records. <br /> A. Nearly every position in government generates, receives,or uses records. Computer files of any kind, <br /> including drafts and email,are public records. Even if your records aren't the official or final version,your <br /> records are public records. Not all records have high historical,legal,or fiscal value, but they all must be <br /> retained or destroyed in accordance with the provisions of the appropriate records schedule. <br /> Q. May I store our unused records in the basement (attic, outdoor shed)? <br /> A. Public records are public property. While we encourage offices to find places to store records that do <br /> not take up too much valuable office space,the selected space should be dry,secured,and free from <br /> pests and mold. Your office must ensure that records stored away from your main office area are well <br /> protected from natural and man-made problems,while remaining readily available to your staff and the <br /> public. <br /> Q. Our old records are stored in the attic, basement or off-site building, <br /> etc. Do we have to let anyone who asks see them? <br /> A. Yes,as long as the records are not confidential by law. You should also be aware that confidentiality can <br /> expire. <br /> Q. Aren't all of our old records at the State Archives of North Carolina? <br /> A. Probably not. The State Archives of North Carolina collects only very specific types of records from <br /> county offices. Contact the Records Management Analyst assigned to your county for more information <br /> about which records are held or can be transferred to the State Archives of North Carolina for permanent <br /> preservation. <br /> Q. I have found some really old records. What should I do with them? <br /> A. Call the Records Management Analyst assigned to your county. We will help you examine the records <br /> and assess their historical value. <br /> Q. Can I give my old records to the historical society or public library? <br /> A. Before you offer any record to a historical society, public library,or any other entity,you must contact <br /> the Records Management Analyst assigned to your county. Permanent records must be kept either in <br /> your offices or at the State Archives of North Carolina. <br /> Q. Whom can I call with questions? <br /> A. If you are located west of about Statesville,call our Western Office in Asheville at(828)296-7230 <br /> extension 224. East of Statesville,all the way to the coast,call our Raleigh office at(919)807-7350. <br /> 5 <br />