This guide is a source of information on a wide range of issues involving student records and transcripts. It focuses on the necessity of reconciling the need to provide accurate information promptly to various constituencies and the need to safeguard privacy. Recommendations are provided for database and transcript elements, and current issues are addressed, including recording academic and disciplinary actions on transcripts, the use of Social Security numbers, name changes, transcription of nontraditional work, and requirements of the U.S. Patriot Act. Electronic standards for data interchange are also discussed. The chapters are: (1) "Introduction"; (2) "Database, Academic Record, and Transcript: Distinctions Based on Historical Perspective"; (3) "Database and Transcript Components"; (4) "Key to the Transcript"; (5) "Some Current Issues"; (6) "FERPA, US PATRIOT Act, and Their Impact on Release of Student Educational Records"; (7) "Transcript Services"; (8) "Fraudulent Transcripts"; (9) "Transcription of Nontraditional Work"; (10) "Continuing Education Unit (CEU) Records"; (11) "Security of Records"; and (12) "Electronic Standards for Data Interchange: EDI and XML." Six appendixes contain supplemental information and a sample transcript. (Contains 43 references.) (SLD)