In Oklahoma, there is no systematic approach to the management of local records. Problems with access exist because of decentralization, and because the Works Progress Administration conducted the last extensive survey of local records about fifty years ago. In order to help remedy this situation, the Oklahoma Historical Records Survey of 1989 produced, for the first time in one source, a listing of most early-day county and municipal records, using questionnaires with follow-up telephone contacts distributed to 722 governmental offices throughout Oklahoma. The project produced a Guide to the Historical Records of Oklahoma. The author discusses all aspects of the project including the development of a survey instrument, conduct of the survey, findings, response patterns, publication of the results, and implications for future historical records surveys.