If a record is non-permanent and has been microfilmed according to TSL standards, and the retention period has not yet expired, what is permissible?

• A. It must be kept permanently
• B. It requires court approval
• C. It may be destroyed
• D. It cannot be destroyed until retention expires

Answer: (C)

The key idea is that for non-permanent records, once they are faithfully microfilmed under the approved standards, the microfilm becomes the retention copy. That means the original document can be destroyed without violating the retention schedule, because the information is preserved in a compliant format for the required period. If microfilming is done correctly according to TSL standards—the copies are legible, complete, properly indexed, and stored securely—the retention period is satisfied by the microfilm, even though the original is removed. So, destruction of the original is permissible while the microfilm remains to cover the required time frame.

This doesn’t apply to permanently needed records or to cases where the microfilming wasn’t performed to the proper standards. It also doesn’t require court approval for destruction simply because the record has been properly microfilmed.