How Does Your Record Keeping Rate?

....How Does Your Record Keeping Rate?, by Donna Deeprose

ASSESSMENT:

1)	Have you recently had to increase your number of file drawers?

	Yes
	No

2)	Do you purge your files on a regular schedule?

	Yes
	No

3)	Stored away somewhere, do you have electronic file backups on tape or disk that are more than five years old?

	Yes
	No

4)	Have you done an inventory of all your paper and electronic files in the last year?

	Yes
	No

5)	Do you have records stored in binders with update pages shoved into the cover pockets?

	Yes
	No

6)	If you were suddenly incapacited, could a temp find any record needed during the next two weeks?

	Yes
	No

7)	Do you have files with names like "Correspondence", "Reports", or, worst of all, "Miscellaneous"?

	Yes
	No

8)	Could you locate all copies of the records in your files?

	Yes
	No

9)	Have you ever had trouble finding a file because you didn't remember the spelling of the name it was filed under or which part of the name it was alphabetized by (e.g. J or R for J.L. Robbings & Sons)?

	Yes
	No

10)

Have you identified and protected your vital records?

	Yes
	No

We've all got them: the stuffed file drawer nobody's looked in for years and the loose pile of papers we're definitely going to put away one day. It's enough to make us shake our heads and mutter, 'There's got to be a better way.'

There probably is. Take the assessment that follows to rate your current record-keeping system and pick up some ideas for streamlining it.

Begin Assessment.

Your answer...