This publication provides advice and guidance to local governments that are considering hiring a records management consultant. Such consultants can play a beneficial role in improving local government records management programs. However, local governments should not become overly dependent on consultants for routine or continuing work that should be carried out by the government's own staff. Once the need for a consultant has been carefully established, detailed job specifications should be written, with information about the government, project goals, qualifications needed, compensation, etcetera. A number of methods for soliciting proposals and selecting a consultant are described, and information concerning reporting requirements and the preparation of agreements for consulting services are presented. Assistance available through the New York State Archives and Records Administration is described. (SLD)