Mastering Public Records Request Management and More: 45 Tips for Clerks

Effective public records management is crucial for maintaining public trust, but navigating the complex legal landscape and manual processes can be overwhelming. This guide provides 45 actionable tips for clerks, covering everything from legal compliance and professional development to technology and public engagement, to help take the stress out of fulfilling public records requests and prepare for a new era of public service.

In this content, you will learn:

• Foundational tips for understanding public records laws, including mandatory response timelines, retention schedules, and the importance of archiving social media posts.
• Best practices for improving your processes and procedures, such as standardizing workflows with checklists and preparing for election seasons.
• How to effectively engage with the public, from sharing common request examples to offering clear, plain-language instructions on your website.
• The benefits of automating records management with cloud-based software, alerts, and AI-powered solutions to cut down on human error and save countless hours.