National Archives and Records Administration (NARA)
The U.S. federal agency responsible for preserving government records of enduring value and for overseeing records management across the federal government.
The National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) is the independent U.S. agency that serves as the nation’s recordkeeper. It has two intertwined roles: preserving and providing access to the permanently valuable records of the federal government, and overseeing how all federal agencies manage their records.
In its oversight role, NARA issues records management regulations (Title 36 of the Code of Federal Regulations), approves agency records schedules, publishes the General Records Schedule, and provides guidance — including the push toward fully electronic recordkeeping. Permanent federal records are ultimately transferred to NARA for preservation. The Archivist of the United States leads the agency and holds the legal authority to approve the disposition of federal records.