The Official Web Site of the State of South Carolina

Records Management

Services to State and Local Governments

A primary function of the South Carolina Department of Archives and History is to work in partnership with state agency and local government officials in the proper management of their records, and to identify and preserve for public access those of historical/archival value. The statutory basis for the Archives’ records management program is contained in the Public Records Act (PDF) (Code of Laws of South Carolina 1976, as amended, Sections 30-1-10 through 30-1-170).

In carrying out this function, the Archives’ staff provides advisory services on all major aspects of records management, including microfilm and digital and computer media as well as traditional paper filing systems and records. The Archives also:

  • provides records management training upon request;
  • develops and issues records retention schedules to authorize the legal disposition of public records;
  • conducts a full range of microfilming services;
  • develops standards and regulations, and technical publications;
  • provides for temporary storage for inactive state agency records;
  • provides guidance and assistance in the event of a disaster.

For more information about the records management program of the South Carolina Department of Archives and History, contact Erin Lowry, 803-896-6128.

The Research Room at the South Carolina Department of Archives and History will re-open on Wednesday, July 15, 2020.  On that day, we will resume our regular Research Room hours of 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 8:30 a.m. through 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. through 5:00 p.m. on Saturday.  Before visiting please read the COVID-19 safety guidelines for visitors to our building.  If you have any questions about our re-opening, please call our Research Room desk at 803-896-6104 or 803-896-6105.

 

Presentations from October 2019 Training Session

Contact Records Services at 803-896-6128 or email Erin Lowry to arrange a virtual or in-person training session for yourself or your staff.

Basic Records Management (PDF) - Erin Lowry

Electronic Records Management (PDF) - Jessica Hills

Risk Mitigation for Electronic Records (PDF) - Morgan Jones-King