All records are managed based on the State University Model Records Retention Schedule (adopted March 10, 2011), which identifies records by series, title, and description; denotes the retention and disposition instructions; and provides the legal authorization to destroy them. If the retention schedule denotes that records can be destroyed, that means that their value has expired and a Records Destruction Certificate must be completed and approved by the University Records Manager for the destruction of original copies. A Records Destruction Certificate does not have to be completed for duplicate copies. If the retention schedule indicates that records are permanent, those records have a permanent value and special steps must be taken to ensure their protection, availability, and preservation.

There is no preferred method for destroying public records except when a specific method is required by law. The Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives' Public Records Division suggests that records of a sensitive or confidential nature be burned or shredded. If shredding is the method selected for the destruction of confidential records, it is recommended that the shred be 1/4 inch or less. A shred of this size prevents the reconstruction of information presumed destroyed. Other records may be recycled, buried, placed in a dumpster, or destroyed by any other means.