Prepared for Unesco's Records and Archives Management Programme (RAMP), this study is intended to introduce workers in archival services to the life cycle concept of records, and to the advantages of establishing a legally authorized and comprehensive program for the orderly disposal of modern institutional records. It is noted that, although the study is based primarily on British, Canadian, Australian, and U.S. practices, the policies and procedures that are explained and summarized can be applied to the records of any public or private institution, and can be adapted to meet the needs of varying administrative traditions and recordkeeping practices. The introduction provides definitions of terminology used and a discussion of the importance and advantages of conducting records surveys. Individual chapters then address authority and control; various aspects of records surveys, including preparation, inventory of records series in individual agency departments, and appraisal; records retention authorization; records schedules; records disposal--the records center; and records scheduling for special categories, i.e., machine readable records, microforms, audiovisual records, and cartographic records. Summary guidelines on the materials presented in this document conclude the report. Twelve sample forms, a select bibliography, and a report on microcomputer use for records scheduling are included. (BBM)