Some Tips For Preserving Your Records

Completely document your activities: keep minutes of meetings and save copies of publications and flyers.

Label your documents (especially photographs!) with full names, dates and descriptions of events or circumstances.

Keep your records together in one central place.

Develop a straightforward filing system that works for you.

Store your records away from dampness, dust, excessive heat, and sun (i.e. avoid attics and basements wherever possible).

Avoid using paper clips and rubber bands. If you have documents that need to be kept together, use stainless steel staples or plastic clips.

Develop a routine of transferring inactive records to the University Archives at the end of the year or at the end of the chair/department head's term of office.

Consider the fate of your non-paper documents. Electronic records can pose additional software and hardware access problems. Save CDs, memorabilia, photographs, posters and audio tapes, as well as traditional paper documents.

Get to know the University Archivist, Maria Bernier (341-2276), who is always glad to advise and assist with archival transfer and records management questions.

REMEMBER: When in doubt, don't throw it out!

With thanks to the Wesleyan University Archives.