The public’s right to see government records is meaningless if the records don’t exist. In this electronic era, government records are easier to destroy, denying the public information that could document the history of our times, bolster news reports, and serve audits and other checks on government accountability.
On Thursday the Minnesota Coalition on Government Information held a discussion of state law, current practice and public policy options regarding records retention. The session provided practical, expert information to help inform journalists, historians, lawmakers and the concerned public.
Video and lists of panelists
Panelists are:
James R. Nobles, Minnesota Legislative Auditor
Cecily Marcus, Curator, Givens Collection of African American Literature, University of Minnesota Libraries
Shawn Rounds, Minnesota State Archivist
Don Gemberling, Minnesota’s top expert on the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act
Journalist/author Jon Kerr moderator.