What does the term “records retention schedule” refer to?

The term "records retention schedule" refers to a systematic guideline that outlines the specific time periods for which different types of records need to be maintained before they can be destroyed or moved to inactive status. This schedule is crucial for ensuring that organizations, including municipalities, comply with legal requirements regarding recordkeeping and manage their records efficiently.

By providing a structured approach, the records retention schedule helps organizations determine how long to keep various documents based on their type, significance, and legal necessities. It assists in the proper management of public records, ensuring that valuable information is preserved for as long as necessary while also facilitating the timely destruction of records that are no longer needed, thus optimizing space and resources.

Other options do not accurately encapsulate the comprehensive purpose of a records retention schedule. While the timetable for when records must be destroyed is an aspect of the schedule, it does not encompass the full scope of its function. Similarly, summarizing all public records or establishing filing standards does not align with the primary goal of determining retention periods for various record types.