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Representative
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Orientation
Programs
N
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Ad
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Introduction
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National
Archives
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Records
Administration,
Module
5:
Course
Summary
Introduction to National Archives and Records Administration Module 5
 
Page 3
 
• NARA holdings are created and stored in various formats such a s paper, electronic, microfilm, microfiche, special
media, and artifacts.
• NARA manages internal records by creating and receiving records as required by the job, keeping records correctly
to document work activities, as determined by your unit, and keeping records for the required length of time in
accordance with the NARA Records Schedule.
Module Four--Our Customers Matter covered the following key points:
• NARA's customers include those who are creators of records and those who are users of records.
• NARA makes holdings available through a series of steps: initial processing, holdings maintenance, preservation,
arrangement, description, and access/reference.
• Customers may gain access to our records through: published guides and other finding aids, online databases, and
consultation with reference staff (e.g., ARC)
• Reference services are available throughout all NARA locations. These services include onsite reference services,
digitization of holdings, AAD resources, Presidential Libraries, FOIA, declassification, access through FRCs, public
programs and exhibits, educational outreach programs, and special events.
• The ERA program is a strategic initiative by NARA to preserve and provide long- term access to the electronic
records of the U.S. Government. The ERA is moving certain NARA business processes from primarily a paper-
based process to an online process.
Audio Transcript:
Congratulations ! You have completed the Introduction to NARA course. It's time to review some key points from this
course.
Module One-- History of NARA covered the following key points:
• NARA was formed because records were widely dispersed and in jeopardy, and various organizations requested a
single agency be charged with maintaining the Government's historical records.
• NARA is an independent agency of the executive branch of the federal government. In our facilities around the
country, customers are able to discover, use, and learn from this history.
• NARA is an important part of the Federal Government and continues to grow and embrace its mission of
safeguarding and preserving the records of our Government.