For the Record’s “Meet the Staff” feature is an opportunity for our archivists to connect directly with the community which we serve.
Name: Leslie Coty
Title: Records Management Archivist
Specialties: Local government Records Management & State Historical Records Advisory Board
How did you end up working at the Alabama Department of Archives and History?
While completing my Master of Library and Information Sciences with a certificate in Archival Administration at Wayne State University, I developed an interest in records management, with a particular focus in government records. As the Public Records Officer for the City of Asheville, I saw first-hand how a well-organized records management system contributes to the efficiency, transparency, and overall success of a local government entity. I wanted to focus more on providing direct support to localities with their records and information management issues, and I’m able to do just that in my current position as Records Management Archivist.
What is your role?
I primarily assist local agencies with their records management needs. For example, local governments must request authorization to destroy their temporary records, and I assist them with that process. I’ve also helped state agencies with the development of their Records Disposition Authority. Currently I’m working on a state-wide Local Government Records & Needs Assessment. The project involves meetings with local agencies and learning more about their records management and preservation efforts. The data we’ve been collecting during these assessments will help us focus our energies and resources where they’re needed most. It’s been a great experience learning more about how we can better serve our localities.
What is something you enjoy about working in records management?
Government officials are focused on helping their customers and carrying out the day-to-day responsibilities of their offices, so records management isn’t necessarily something that’s at the forefront in their minds. I really enjoy being a resource for our state and local agencies by helping them organize and maintain their records so they can focus on what they do best.
What do you view as the biggest challenge facing the profession today?
We’re all dealing with information overload, especially when it comes to electronic records. The exponential growth of digital information creates immense administrative and storage burdens. The volume of records we’re creating on a daily basis can make it challenging to organize and maintain our records for easy access and retrieval. The Records Management Section understands how overwhelming this can be, so we are really focused on providing the tools necessary to stay on top of everything.
For the Record 