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90 <br /> Q. I have a lot of unsorted records. What's a good first step for getting a <br /> handle on these records? <br /> A. We encourage you to create a file plan of what records you have.When you create this plan, <br /> you can match each record to its placement on this schedule or on the appropriate retention <br /> schedule.A sample file plan is available on Page A-21. Having a file plan can help you strategize <br /> how to best organize your physical or digital records.A file plan is also useful in disaster <br /> planning and scheduling destructions. <br /> Q. May 1 store our unused records in the basement, attic, shed, etc.? <br /> A. Public records are public property. Though we encourage agencies to find places to store <br /> records that do not take up too much valuable office space,the selected space should be dry, <br /> secure,and free from pests and mold. Your office must ensure that records stored away from <br /> your main office area are well protected from natural and man-made problems while remaining <br /> readily available to your staff and the public. <br /> Q. Our old records are stored in the attic, basement, or off-site building, etc. <br /> Are we required to provide public access to these records? <br /> A. Yes, as long as the records are not confidential by law. You should also be aware that <br /> confidentiality can expire. <br /> Q. Aren't all 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 <br /> from local government offices. Contact a Records Management Analyst for more information <br /> about which records are held or can be transferred to the State Archives of North Carolina for <br /> permanent preservation. <br /> Q. I found some really old records. What should I do with them? <br /> A. Call a Records Management Analyst. We will help you examine the records and assess their <br /> historical value. <br /> Q. Can 1 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 <br /> contact a Records Management Analyst. Permanent records must be kept either in your offices <br /> or at the State Archives of North Carolina. <br /> Q. Whom can I call with questions? <br /> A. If you are located west of Statesville, call our Western Office in Asheville at(828) 250-3103. If <br /> you are east of Statesville, all the way to the coast, call our Raleigh office at (919) 814-6900. <br /> A-4 <br />