Smith-Cruz explains retention schedules and the 2025 instant messaging policy

The records management lifecycle contends with a basic archival principle.

Not all records are archival.

Instead, we ask, is the record active?

Is the record substantive?

For how long does it need to be retained?

Does it have historical and enduring value?

Answers to these questions lead the record series retention schedules, which can be as long as 99 years or perpetuity, on average three to eight, maybe 10 years, and as low as a schedule of zero.

Which brings me to instant messaging policy.

Policies and practices regarding instant messages relate to the May 25, May 2025 policy.

This policy was in close consultation with the law department and the office of the chief counsel.

Doris updated its policy on instant electronic messaging records.

And I brought copies of the policy so that we can read along together.

So if one of the guards could help me pass along the document.

There he goes.

I'm a librarian, so I like read-alongs.

I didn't take one for myself.

And so when you receive it,

You'll note that it does state, I don't actually.

In bold and underline on page two.

Instant electronic messages.

Oh, wait, sorry.

Okay, on page two in bold and underlined so that it's not hidden.

And this policy has actually been posted online since its development.

In May 2025.