Records Managers

National Archives and Records Administration
General Records Schedules


Transmittal No. 22
April 2010

GENERAL RECORDS SCHEDULE 13
Printing, Binding, Duplication, and Distribution Records

This schedule provides for the disposal of all copies, wherever located in the agency, of records relating to printing, binding, duplication, and distribution, except as indicated. The principal records documenting these functions are (a) records pertaining to requests for service, control, production, and distribution of individual jobs or projects (this material normally consists of requisitions requesting service and registers or similar media utilized to control the receipt of the requisitions and to record the production, distribution, and cost analysis within the operating units); and (b) correspondence and report files reflecting the activities of the unit responsible for handling, printing, binding, duplication, and distribution matters within the agency. Any records created prior to January 1, 1921, must be offered to the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) before applying these disposition instructions.

This schedule does not cover (a) the record copy of printed materials; (b) records retained by agencies for onsite audit by the General Accounting Office, and agency memorandum copies which are part of the accountable officers' accounts (Schedule 6); and (c) records that reflect agency programs (such as those of the Government Printing Office and the Bureau of Engraving and Printing), rather than administrative management functions.

1.     Administrative Correspondence Files.

Correspondence files pertaining to the administration and operation of the unit responsible for printing, binding, duplication, and distribution matters, and related documents.

Destroy when 2 years old. (GRS 13, 1952, item 2)

2.     Project Files. [See note after item 2b.]

Job or project records containing information relating to planning and execution of printing, binding, duplication, and distribution jobs.

a.     Files pertaining to the accomplishment of the job, containing requisitions, bills, samples, manuscript clearances, and related documents exclusive of (1) requisitions on the Public Printer and related records; and (2) records relating to services obtained outside the agency.

Destroy 1 year after completion of job. (GRS 13, 1952, item 3a)

b.     Files pertaining to planning and other technical matters.

Destroy when 3 years old. (GRS 13, 1952, item 3b)

[NOTE: The GRS does not cover the publications themselves. One copy of each publication should be designated the record copy and scheduled for transfer to NARA. Agencies should describe each series of publications on a Standard Form (SF) 115 submitted to NARA. Extra copies are nonrecord and may be destroyed when no longer needed. (NC1-GRS-81-5, items 1a and 1b)]

3.     Control Files.

Control registers pertaining to requisitions and work orders.

Destroy 1 year after close of fiscal year in which compiled or 1 year after filling of register, whichever is applicable. (GRS 13, 1952, item 4)

4.     Mailing Lists.

a.     Correspondence, request forms, and other records relating to changes in mailing lists.

Destroy after appropriate revision of mailing list or after 3 months, whichever is sooner. (GRS 13, 1952, item 5a)

b.     Card lists.

Destroy individual cards when canceled or revised. (GRS 13, 1952, item 5b)

5.     Joint Committee on Printing (JCP) Reports Files.

Reports to Congress and related records.

a.     Agency report to JCP regarding operation of Class A and B Plants and inventories of printing, binding, and related equipment in Class A and B Plants or in storage.

Destroy when 3 years old. (GRS 13, 1952, item 6a)

b.     Copies in subordinate reporting units and related work papers.

Destroy 1 year after date of report. (GRS 13, 1952, item 6b)

6.     Internal Management Files.

Records relating to internal management and operation of the unit.

Destroy when 2 years old. (GRS 13, 1952, item 7)

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