The process of determining which records are historical is called appraisal. The State Archives is responsible for appraising state agency and local government records. Records found to have enduring historical or other value are designated as “permanent” and “transfer to State Archives” in the State Archives' local government and state agency records retention and disposition schedules respectively. Other record series which may have historical or research significance in some local governments but not in others have an appraisal note within the retention schedule to encourage local officials to evaluate the records to determine their importance prior to disposition.
State agency and local government officials are critical in making State Archives staff aware of new, potentially historical records that are not covered under existing retention schedules. State Archives' staff can also advise and assist local officials who are appraising records for potential long-term research value.
For information about the appraisal of government records, see appraisal page or contact us at (518) 474-6926 or via email at recmgmt@nysed.gov.
Preserving and making available historical records
The State Archives is responsible for preserving and making available historical records of State government to the public. State agency records that State Archives staff have appraised as permanent and are designated as “transfer to State Archives” on the State General Schedule or agency-specific retention schedule should be transferred to the Archives. Refer to Information about preparing archival records for transfer. For more information about our Research Room, researcher services, and our records access policy, refer to Researcher Services.
Local governments are responsible for preserving and making available historical records of their government to the public. Local officials should familiarize themselves with the Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) and other laws that govern access to records. For information about managing archival records, see Archives Management (in particular the “preservation” and “access and programs” sections). Local governments interested in improving their environmental conditions, storage, handling and security for their permanent records are eligible for free Preservation Surveys from the Documentary Heritage and Preservation Services for New York.
