What is a primary purpose of a disposition guide card?

The primary purpose of a disposition guide card is to document record destruction. This card serves as an essential tool in records management by providing a clear record of what documents have been destroyed, when they were destroyed, and under what authority. This is critical for compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, ensuring that the organization maintains proper oversight of its records while also reducing the risk of holding onto unnecessary or outdated documents.

Documenting record destruction through a disposition guide card ensures that organizations can track their records throughout their lifecycle, maintain accountability, and support audits or reviews of their records management practices. This transparency plays a vital role in effective records management, as it confirms that the organization is disposing of records in accordance with retention schedules and policies.