The New York State Historical Records Advisory Board’s ten-year strategic plan, Ensuring a Future for Our Past, was developed in 1998; it was reaffirmed and its priorities and goals updated in 2007. Further updated for 2008-2012, the plan continues to inform and guide the work of New Yorkers who are involved in the preservation and use of historical records.

2008-2012 Strategic Priorities

Electronic Records

Education

• Provide electronic records training for New York's colleges and universities
• Produce the Society of American Archivists electronic records workshop in New York
• Support regional conferences on electronic records management

Guidance

• Promote standards and best practices
• Promote recommendations on Open Document Format

Assessment

• Ensure coverage of electronic records in the Institute of Museum & Library Services (IMLS) Connecting to Collections planning project and the Federal Emergency Management Agency/Council of State Archivists Intergovernmental Preparedness for Essential Records (FEMA/CoSA IPER) curriculum

Emergency Preparedness for New York’s Historical Records Repositories

Education

• Promote FEMA/CoSA IPER training to the historical records community to ensure that the most up-to-date methods are being applied
• Provide guidance to Voices of September 11th and other family and survivor groups regarding preservation and preparedness

Assessment

• Ensure coverage of emergency preparedness in the IMLS Connecting to Collections planning project

Legislative and Gubernatorial Records

Advocacy

• Raise awareness of the importance of governors’ and legislators' records
• Identify key committees and advocate to them (when appropriate)
• Help with background research, benchmarking, and identifying model projects
• Support the 2009 Conference on Executive Records

Improved Delivery of Training and Tools / Broader Access to Services

Web Tools

• Redesign the SHRAB website and update and develop its content
• Explore online delivery systems for training

Access to Services

• Identify ways to target smaller repositories and local governments with training and needs assessments
• Assess the impact of the State Archives grants program on small repositories with archival holdings
• Encourage smaller repositories to compete for DHP grants
• Encourage placement of records in repositories and serve as a clearinghouse for guidance in that process

Increased Support for Historical Records Programs in New York

Advocacy

• Advocate for federal/state support, including Preserving America’s Historical Records (PAHR) (H.R. 6056)
• Develop advocacy materials
• Add a legislative advocacy section to SHRAB website
• Gather, publicize, and serve as a clearinghouse for information about successful local grants
• Investigate creation of a SHRAB award recognizing grass roots support work;  benchmark and develop parameters
• Investigate how to strengthen the chartering process; identify the issues