State Librarian and Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives (KDLA) Commissioner Terry Manuel announced that Clinton County Clerk Sheila Booher has received a grant totaling $23,984 from the KDLA to preserve and manage local government records.

Thirty-nine grants have been awarded throughout the state for a total of $601,177 from the first round of funding from fiscal year 2018 Local Records Program grant funds. The next round of grants will be awarded in December.

Funds for the program come from fees enacted by the Kentucky General Assembly in 1984 and 2007 to preserve and retain local public records. Any local government agency can apply for this grant.

“Providing access to these local records is important,” Sen. Max Wise said. “I am pleased to see this grant awarded in Clinton County and I appreciate all those who helped secure it.”

The Clinton County Clerk’s Office will utilize the funds to transfer valuable permanent records to security microfilm, to upload additional images to the currant imaging system and index them for quick access, and to preserve some of the oldest deed books being retained in the vault.

“These funds will assist the Clinton County Clerk’s Office in making these records and images more accessible to the public,” said Manuel. “This process is very time-consuming, but will greatly benefit researchers now and in the future.”

KDLA’s Local Records Program helps to preserve, protect and make available records with continuing archival value and to assist local agencies with records management through grant support, training and direct services. KDLA is an agency of the Education and Workforce Development Cabinet.

With four regional administrators covering the state and working with local officials, KDLA ensures professional archival and records management assistance in county and city offices, school districts, and health departments. Grants have supported work in microfilming, preservation, equipment, automated indexing, digital imaging systems and codification of ordinances.

KDLA provides equitable access to quality library and information resources and services, as well as helps public agencies ensure that legislatively mandated documentation of government programs is created, efficiently maintained and made accessible. For more information on KDLA resources, programs and services visit www.kdla.ky.gov or call 502-564-1753.