Which characteristic defines a nonessential record?

A nonessential record is one that, if lost, would not significantly impact the operations or functioning of an organization, such as a municipality. This characteristic is vital for understanding records management, as it allows municipalities to prioritize which documents need to be preserved and which can be disposed of when necessary. By designating certain records as nonessential, municipal clerks can effectively manage resources and focus on maintaining critical documents that are necessary for legal compliance and operational continuity.

On the other hand, essential records are those that are crucial for the continuity of government operations and would cause significant disruption if lost. Such records, which include vital documents like tax records, legal agreements, and official meeting minutes, are quite the opposite of nonessential records. Additionally, cost considerations are associated with essential records; these records are often expensive to replace or recreate. Lastly, records that are frequently used in daily operations would also be deemed essential rather than nonessential, as their regular use highlights their importance to ongoing activities. Therefore, a nonessential record is defined specifically by its redundancy in the context of organizational operations.