Background of Public Records Administration

Connecticut became aware of the need to monitor public records in the legislative year of 1903 with the passage of An Act concerning an Examiner of Public Records. In 1904, the first Examiner of Public Records was appointed. The Examiner, in his first annual report, declared: "...It would be impossible to undertake and carry to a successful conclusion all of the work directed in terms of the statute" (due to underfunding of the position).

In 1905, the legislature passed An Act concerning a Temporary Examiner of Public Records, which amplified the duties:

Said examiner...shall cause such an action to be taken...as may be necessary to put...public records in the custody and condition required by the laws of the state...to secure their safety and preservation...

The Act of 1905 is the cornerstone of the operation of the Department of Records Administration to this day. Revisions are reflected in statute Sections 11-8, 11-8a, and 7-109, to name a few.

Administration
The Office of the Public Records Administrator and State Archives operates under the aegis of the Connecticut State Library. The State Librarian essentially is the Public Records Administrator; at the same time, the State Librarian is given authority (in CGS 11-8) to delegate responsibilities to an assistant, named Public Records Administrator. This person is charged to "...preserve and administer...public records" and "...carry out a records management program for all state agencies within the executive department and for all towns, cities, boroughs, districts and other political subdivisions of the state..."

CGS 11-8a makes this office responsible for retention schedules. CGS 11-8 authorizes the department to operate a Records Center for state agencies.

Incumbent: Eunice G. DiBella
Public Records Administrator
Connecticut State Library
231 Capitol Avenue
Hartford CT 06106