"Cultivating an Archival Mindset in Records Management"
April 7, 2026

 

OVERVIEW: This webinar will explore ways records managers can make their roles more interactive, approachable, and relatable across their agencies by building relationships and improving communication, particularly through the use of small, meaningful archival projects.
 
The presenter was hired into a newly created position to develop a records management program within an organization where policies existed but consistent oversight had been limited. Working across 13 facilities spanning 500 miles, the challenge extended beyond ensuring compliance. The broader goal was to help employees understand the value of the agency's history and see records management as an integral part of that story.
 
By cultivating an "archival mindset," this work reframes records management as more than regulations, schedules, and retention codes. It becomes an opportunity to curate organizational memory and lay the groundwork for a future archive. Although archival work was not formally in the job description or budget, the presenter implemented low-cost approaches to preserving history and engaging staff, successfully making the records management role more collaborative, relatable, and trusted throughout the organization.
 
After attending this webinar, attendees will be able to:
 
  • Consider how cultivating an archival mindset within records management duties can engage employees and build trust in the role
  • Strengthen relationships between records managers and staff across their organization
  •  Identify creative, low-cost ways to incorporate archival projects into everyday records management work
  • Shift from a purely compliance-focused approach to one that actively preserves and communicates their organization's history
 
DURATION: 58 Minutes
 
CREDITS: Preapproved for 1.0 CEC (Academy of Certified Archivists), 1.0 CIP CEU (AIIM), 1.0 CEU (ARMA International), and 1.0 Study Hour (GARA Certificate Program). 
 
GARA CERTIFICATE CORE COMPETENCY AREAS: "Training, Advocacy and Outreach" OR "Archives & Long-Term Preservation"
 
PRESENTER: Kelly Murphy, Records Administrator, Trinity River Authority of Texas
 

Kelly is a graduate from the University of North Texas with a Master's degree in Library Science and a graduate certificate in Archival Management. Kelly attained her CRA from the Institute of Certified Records Managers (ICRM) in 2025, and is currently working towards her CRM. She holds undergraduate degrees from Baylor University in Environmental Studies and Psychology.

Kelly Interned with Dallas Municipal Archives, where she learned archival practices and gained experience with arrangement and description, creating finding aids, digitizing images, and preservation.

She is currently employed by Trinity River Authority of Texas where she is building a functioning records management program and developing a historical and accessible archive.

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