On November 28, 2011, President Obama signed the Presidential Memorandum – Managing Government Records. This memorandum marked the beginning of an Executive Branch-wide effort to reform records management policies and practices and to develop a 21st-century framework for the management of Government records.

The expected benefits of this effort include:

• improved performance and promotion ofopenness and accountability by better documenting agency actions and decisions;

• further identification and transfer to the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) of the permanently valuable historical records through which future generations will understand and learn from our actions and decisions; and

• assistance to executive departments and agencies (referred to collectively (referred to collectively as agencies) in minimizing costs and operating more efficiently.

The memo goes on to say:

Records are the foundation of open government, supporting the principles of transparency, participation, and collaboration. Well-managed records can be used to assess the impact of programs, to improve business processes, and to share knowledge across the Government. Records protect the rights and interests of people, and hold officials accountable for their actions. Permanent records document our nation’s history..