Archives Strategizes for Gov 2.0

The National Archives and Records Administration is out with a draft 2009 strategic plan that lays down a marker for some ambitious changes, including expanded responsibility for e-records management -- and departmentwide telework. The strategy states:

NARA must provide leadership and be more agile in adapting to change in information technology and in the federal recordkeeping environment. As we understand this changing environment, we will identify, develop, and provide services and tools that agencies need to manage their records more effectively. We will examine our statutory and regulatory frameworks to ensure they accurately reflect this changing environment. NARA will provide direction and leadership in this changing and largely uncharted landscape.

The first goal is more challenging than it looks, considering many federal employees (and citizens) do not know what a federal record is:

"1.1 By 2016, 50 percent of agencies achieve passing scores for compliance with federal records management policy.

Key external factors: Federal agencies must devote resources to perform records management. Federal agency managers must see records management as an asset for their business operations. . . . Records management professionals must be trained in Federal records management policy."

Other big goals:

"5.1 By 2016, 90 percent of NARA's visitors are satisfied with their visit experience.

. . . These experiences are delivered through a variety of mechanisms, including physical visits, online and offline publications, videoconferences, webcasts, social media, and others.

6.4 By 2016, NARA's telework rate is 100 percent of the federal government average rate.

This target measures our success at using one form of nontraditional work arrangements to enhance employee quality of life, as a tool for recruitment and retention, as a way to prepare for and cope with emergency situations, and for supporting 'green' energy-saving initiatives."

The public has until Aug. 5 to comment by vision@nara.gov or fax (301) 837-0319.