records have been deposited with the Hall of Records, the Commis-
sion is authorized to prepare certified copies and photographic re-
productions upon request (Code 1951, Art. 41, secs. 153, 157; Code
1955 supp.; Art. 41, sec. 154). The Hall of Records is equipped to
repair and restore records committed to its custody.

State agencies are required by law to establish a continuing pro-
gram for the management of their records. The Hall of Records
provides assistance and guidance in the development and furtherance
of the State Records Management Program. The program provides
for the use of records retention schedules which establish the period
and method of retention of records. Such schedules must be approved
by the Hall of Records and when destruction is recommended, must
also be approved by the Board of Public Works. The Hall of Records
is responsible for inspecting the records and records management
practices of all State agencies and is also required to review the
proposals for the purchase or rental of record equipment, storage
space and services (Code 1955 supp., Art. 41, sec. 156).

The Hall of Becords microfilms or supervises the microfilming of
all current deeds, mortgages and releases recorded in the courthouses
of the State which are required to be deposited annually in the office
of the Commissioner of the Land Office. Copies of these films are also
deposited with the State Tax Commission for use in the preparation
of local tax maps. Limited facilities are available for the filming of
records of the various State agencies.

The Hall of Records also maintains a library of official publications
of the various State agencies, and all State agencies are required to
deposit one copy of each official publication at the Hall of Records
(Code 1951, Art. 41, sec. 121). The Hall of Records is further respon-
sible for the editing and preparation of the MARYLAND MANUAL.

Appropriations 1955 1956
General Fund ................................ $90,596 $92,393

Staff: 17.

DEPARTMENT OF INFORMATION
Earle R. Poorbaugh, Director
Old Treasury Building, Annapolis Telephone: Colonial 3-4058

The Department of Information was authorized by the Board of
Public Works in 1948 as a division of the Hall of Records Commission.
In 1949, the General Assembly established it as a separate agency.
The Department is the central agency for the dissemination of infor-
mation concerning the State. Under law, the agency is empowered to
collect and assemble data about Maryland and distribute it in the
form of maps, films, photographs, pamphlets, posters, press and radio
releases and by other means to the public in general and to institutions
of learning in particular. It is further authorized to promote the inter-
ests of Maryland and its products. In this respect the Department
serves as a center of information for the encouragement of tourism
and vacation trade in the State (Code 1951, Art. 41, secs. 198, 199).

Appropriations 1956 1966
General Fund ................................ $35,675 $37,226

Staff: 6.