1. Which records are sent to the Archives of Michigan?

Retention and Disposal Schedules list which records are authorized for transfer to the Archives of Michigan, and when they should be sent to the Archives of Michigan for permanent preservation. For more information see Procedure 0920.01 from the DMB Administrative Guide to State Government.

2. How do I send records to the Archives of Michigan?

The Archives of Michigan has specific forms and procedures for transferring records. See our page with a fill-in form that can be printed out and submitted for review and approval. For more information see Procedure 0920.02 from the DMB Administrative Guide to State Government.

In accordance with approved Retention and Disposal Schedules, records can arrive at the Archives of Michigan in one of two ways:

• Some records are authorized for temporary storage at the State Records Center. After that temporary storage time has expired, some records are automatically transferred to the Archives of Michigan for permanent preservation. In these situations, agencies only need to complete the forms and procedures for sending records to the Records Center. The Records Center will notify agencies before shipping records to the Archives of Michigan.

• Some records which are transferred to the Archives of Michigan never spend time in the State Records Center, and are sent directly to the Archives of Michigan. In these situations, agencies must use the Archives of Michigan form and procedures.

3. What does the Archives of Michigan do with the records that it receives from agencies?

The Archives of Michigan permanently preserves records by protecting them in acid-free storage containers, and secure, environmentally-stable storage environments. All records are inventoried and cataloged so researchers can find the records they need efficiently. For more information see Procedure 0920.03 from the DMB Administrative Guide to State Government.

No. Because records in the Archives of Michigan are unique and historically valuable, they cannot leave our physical custody. Once we accept records, we are responsible for assuring that they are not lost, reorganized, or altered. For more information see Procedure 0920.03 from the DMB Administrative Guide to State Government.

5. What kinds of records are stored at the Archives of Michigan?

Examples of historical records at the Archives of Michigan include Michigan's first Constitution, original signed minutes of the Natural Resources Commission, maps from the Department of Transportation, Corporation Annual Reports from the Department of Consumer and Industry Services, subject files from the Director of the Department of Corrections, Enrolled and Engrossed Acts from the Legislature, and Case Files from the Michigan Supreme Court.

6. How does the Archives of Michigan decide what it will preserve permanently?

The Archives of Michigan preserves records that document how Michigan's government operates (such as policies, minutes and reports), that protect the rights of Michigan's citizens (such as death certificates, election results and naturalization papers), and that document Michigan's society and societal events (such as photographs, maps and registries). Archivists appraise all public records to determine if they document one of these aspects of Michigan history, and therefore have archival value.

7. What is the difference between the Library of Michigan and the Archives of Michigan?

The Archives of Michigan preserves unique historical records created by government agencies. The Library of Michigan receives 65 gratis copies of each publication created by government agencies. To learn more, read "Management and Preservation of Michigan Government Information" (PDF file).

8. How can I use records at the Archives of Michigan?

The Archives of Michigan reading room is open to the public Mondays and Thursdays: 9 a.m.-1 p.m.; Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays: 1 p.m. - 5 p.m. (except state holidays). Expanded hours are available to state agencies upon request. Limited access is also available via phone, fax, e-mail, I. D. mail and U. S. mail. For more information check out our General Reference Services.

9. Are all records at the Archives of Michigan open to the public?

No. Some records are exempt from public disclosure according to the Freedom of Information Act. Examples include mental health records, educational records and some state police records. When the Archives of Michigan accepts custody of confidential records it establishes access agreements with the office of creation to ensure that only authorized individuals have appropriate access to the records.

10. How have government agencies used records preserved by the Archives of Michigan?

• Land records were used by the Department of Transportation to prove the State of Michigan owned land upon which a highway was about to be built.
• The Department of Corrections studied reports written after the 1952 riot at Jackson prison before developing recommendations addressing the causes of the 1981 riot.
• The Department of State has reviewed superseded policies and procedures before it developed new ones.

11. If my agency's Retention and Disposal Schedule says that I should transfer records to the Archives of Michigan will you keep them permanently?

Yes. Like all other state agencies, the Archives of Michigan can only destroy records with the authorization of an approved Retention and Disposal Schedule.

12. Who can help me with these and similar questions?

Caryn Wojcik is the Archives of Michigan liaison with state government agencies. You can contact her at (517) 335-8222 or via e-mail at wojcikc@michigan.gov.

Click Archives of Michigan to visit the Archives of Michigan home page.

Archives of Michigan
Michigan Library and Historical Center
702 W. Kalamazoo Street
Lansing, MI 48913
Phone: (517) 373-1408
Fax: (517) 241-1658
E-mail: archives@michigan.gov

Michigan Historical Center, Department of History, Arts and Libraries
Use and Reproduction Information [PDF]
Send comments about this page to archives@michigan.gov.