Any custodian of public records as defined by Sections 30-1-10 through 30-1-140 is authorized to photocopy, microfilm, or reproduce on film or by electrostatic method any part of the records kept by the office concerned unless otherwise prohibited by law or withheld from reproduction in the public interest. These copies may be used only in equipment or systems which accurately reproduce and preserve the original record in all details in a durable form. Each agency or subdivision shall preserve these photocopies, electrostatic copies, or films in conveniently accessible files and shall provide for preserving, examining, and using them. If the records are of permanent value to the agency or subdivision concerned or are determined to be of archival value by the Archives, one master copy of each record filmed must meet standards approved by the Archives and be deposited there. Custodians of public records may destroy the original records from which the photographs, microphotographs, films, or electrostatic copies have been made, or any part of them if the records are of no value to the agency concerned, and the Archives certifies that the records may be destroyed through this procedure or retention schedules approved by the Archives. The records microfilmed or reproduced and approved for destruction must be reported to the Archives in such manner as it may direct.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 1-593; 1973 (58) 350; 1990 Act No. 546, Section 1.