A significant part of records management is what records we decide to create in the first place. Making good records to begin with is essential; we will have less bulk to manage, and those records will be easier to locate over time.

Some general tips include:

• Avoid sending unnecessary emails (use Teams chat or phone calls for messages that do not need to be documented)
• Avoiding saving unnecessary copies (use links or shortcuts to existing records, rather than saving your own copies)
• Use descriptive titles and naming conventions (avoid vague and general words)
• Where possible, ensure the records are accessible to others

For more information, visit the county’s Records Management Program website or contact them at records.management@kingcounty.gov. The Records Management Program, in the Department of Executive Services, provides guidance, resources, and training to all King County employees to assist them with managing King County’s public records according to state and local legal requirements and best practices.