This reports provides local governments with guidelines and suggestions for selecting a Records Management Officer to develop, organize, and direct a records management program. Such a program is described as an over-arching, continuing, administrative effort that manages recorded information from its initial creation to its final disposition. This includes disposing of obsolete records; setting up filing and indexing systems; using modern computer technology in information creation, manipulation, and storage; storing inactive records securely and cost effectively; microfilming selected paper records for security, ease of access, space consideration, and preservation of important information; overseeing the creation and use of forms, correspondence, and other records; and identifying, appraising, and preserving records of archival value. The benefits of appointing a Records Management Officer, the administrative relationships involved, and the responsibilities of the officer are discussed. (DB)