What should be done with files containing permanent records that no longer have worth?

The most appropriate course of action for files containing permanent records that no longer have worth is to continually purge them. This is important for maintaining an organized and efficient management system. By routinely purging files that are no longer relevant or useful, an organization ensures that it does not become burdened with unnecessary paperwork. This helps in decluttering storage space and improving access to essential documents.

Furthermore, continuous purging aligns with effective records management practices, which advocate for the retention of only those documents that serve a current purpose or have ongoing relevance to operations. This approach also reduces the risk of holding onto outdated information that might lead to misinterpretation or confusion.

In contrast, filing records indefinitely would lead to excessive clutter and could hinder the ability to access critical information when needed. Archiving them may not be sensible since the records hold no value for future reference, and transferring them to another department could simply shift the burden of storage and management without resolving the issue of their lack of worth. Thus, continual purging ensures that only meaningful documents remain in the system.