Overview

The National Archives preserves and makes accessible the nation’s public and private archival records deposited with the agency. It achieves this by setting standards for archiving, providing guidance, supervising public archives, and coordinating with private archives to ensure durable preservation and public access. It acts as a national authority that creates nationwide standards and oversees compliance rather than just offering storage or services. Its goal is to ensure long-term preservation of the nation’s records and to make them available for research, accountability, and historical understanding.