Andrew, I was deliberately brief in my previous post, knowing that you have many years experience in the Records Management division of another Washington County, and assumed that you were familiar with the services offered by our state's Archives and Records Management division. However, I am still curious about you interest in destroying the original records of series appraised as permanent/archival. Unless the State Archives has certified that these records are not wanted for transfer, it would seem that they are ineligible for destruction or transfer to any other facility or institution. Could you elaborate? Elizabeth Fairfax -----Original Message----- From: Penta, Andrew [mailto:[log in to unmask]] Sent: Tuesday, February 07, 2006 2:03 PM To: [log in to unmask] Subject: [RM] Cost comparisons Hello, I'm fairly new to the list, and this is my first inquiry posting. I have enjoyed reading and have learned much from what I have seen the list membership post, and I'm certain that I will be appreciative of any feedback I receive from this question. I am looking for cost comparisons, or a cost-benefit analysis comparing microfilming files rather than continuing to store paper in boxes. Specifically, a large department I work with has digitally scanned thousands of permanent retention official public records, but has not invested in producing preservation microfilm back-up for the scanned images. By law in the State of Washington, to be able to destroy the paper source documents of permanent files, the files must be filmed, regardless if thy are scanned (or you can go through a complex process to have your scanning system certified by the state, which would remove the requirement to microfilm). I'm thinking that it would be more economical (and less risky) to produce microfilm directly from the scanned digital images and destroy the paper files, than to continue to store an ever increasing volume of paper, and now I'm looking for information on the costs to strengthen my case. Andrew Penta Records Officer Records Management Division, Clark County General Services Dept. ext. 4009, or (360) 397-2191 e-mail: [log in to unmask] List archives at http://lists.ufl.edu/archives/recmgmt-l.html Contact [log in to unmask] for assistance List archives at http://lists.ufl.edu/archives/recmgmt-l.html Contact [log in to unmask] for assistance