Background of organization
The National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) is the nation’s record keeper. Of all documents and materials created in the course of business conducted by the United States Federal government, only 1%-3% are so important for legal or historical reasons that they are kept by us forever.
source: http://www.archives.gov/about/
who are they?
The United States National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) is an independent agency of the United States government charged with preserving and documenting government and historical records and with increasing public access to those documents.
source: http://www.archives.gov/about/info/whats-an-archives.html
What do they do?
NARA is officially responsible for maintaining and publishing the legally authentic and authoritative copies of acts of Congress, presidential proclamations and executive orders, and federal regulations. The chief administrator of NARA, the Archivist of the United States, not only maintains the official documentation of the passage of amendments to the U.S. Constitution by state legislatures, but has the authority to declare when the constitutional threshold for passage has been reached.
The NARA preserves and maintains these materials and makes them available for research and records important events in American history.Conservators are specialists who preserve documents, photographs, and other historical records. They spend many hours slowly and carefully cleaning and repairing damaged and delicate materials. Conservators are especially knowledgeable about chemicals, tools, and methods used during conservation treatment.
Records managers work with Federal Government entities such as the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), and the U.S. Army to make sure they are creating records that reflect the work they do. The volume of paper and electronic files created by the Federal Government, which employs more than two million people, is tremendous. Records managers also make sure that agencies are storing their records properly and are bringing the most important ones safely to the National Archives to be attended to by archivists and conservators.
source: http://www.archives.gov/about/info/whats-an-archivist.html
What type of services they provide?
Office of Regional Records Services (NR) which manages 25 million boxes of Federal records in 17 records centers nationwide.
Federal Records Centers - The Federal Records Centers operates under the authority of Pub. L. 106-58 on a reimbursable fee-for-service basis.
Regional Archives - Regional archives provide the public with free access to the significant historical records of Federal agencies for purposes of education, genealogy, history, and research, as well as to facilitate publications in all media. Records in regional archives document the rights of citizens, the actions of Federal officials, and the national experience from our founding as a nation.
Records Management Program – The Records Management Program ensures adequacy of documentation and appropriate records disposition for Federal offices. Our services are offered outside the Washington, DC, area, through appraisal and scheduling of paper and electronic records, interpretation of records control schedules, guidance on program implementation, and records management training. Much of this is provided through the Targeted Assistance initiative, in which NARA staff partner with agencies to resolve existing records management problems or plan for future solutions. The Records Management Program has offices in nine regional centers and three satellite cities.
Education Programs - Presidential Libraries provide a broad range of educational opportunities for students of all ages. Each Presidential Library offers programs designed to introduce students to American history and the Presidency and to inform teachers about the use of primary source documents in teaching history.
Do they use any Social Media & Web 2.0 technologies for public communication & education?
The National Archives currently utilizes social media and Web2.0 technologies in attempt to better communicate with the public.On June 18, 2009, the National Archives announced the launching of a YouTube channel “to showcase popular archived films, inform the public about upcoming events around the country, and bring National Archives exhibits to the people.” Also in 2009, the National Archives launched a Flickr photostream to share portions of its photographic holdings with the general public. The National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) has launched some Web 2.0 technologies and has signed agreements to create NARA sites on Twitter, YouTube, Facebook, and Flickr. NARA is using these tools and sites to create new ways of communicating with the public and look forward to your feedback.
source: http://www.archives.gov/social-media/
Facebook of US National Archives
National Archives on YouTube
