National Archives and Records Service film-vault fire at Suitland, Md. : hearings before a subcommittee of the Committee on Government Operations, House of Representatives, Ninety-sixth Congress, first session, June 19 and 21, 1979 (1979)

53 Newsreel footage is used extensively by researchers — by individual scholars as well as by numerous television and film producers. We believe that the footage is important to an understanding of our recent history and to a better comprehension of the Federal Government's activities documented in its paper records. Audiovisual records aid in the study of written records. Since the Goverimient did not systematically record events in an audiovisual medium, we believe NARS, as the repository of all the Government's permanently valuable records documenting its organization, fimctions, and activities, is the most logical repository for privately produced audiovisual materials reflecting or further illuminating these activities. I might add that we have developed a 10-year plan for the preser^'^ation needs of the audiovisual records in our custody. In respect to film accessioned from Government agencies, the major determination of the archival value of motion picture film is made during the initial appraisal of the records before they are transferred to NARS. Records which have already been accessioned into NARS are systematically inspected for physical deterioration, and reevaluated for continued retention, when reviewed for cataloging. During any of these procedures, film footage may be determined to be nonarchival and set-aside for disposal. The Government-wide standard for determining the retention period and archival value of film is General Records Schedule 21 — GRS-21. Broad in scope, it is intended to complement approved agency records schedules. Records that cannot be destroyed in accordance with GRS21 must be described on an agency records schedule and submitted to NARS for appraisal. ^Yhen GRS-21 was being drafted in 1976, all major film producing agencies of the Federal Government were consulted and indicated that the schedule and the accompanying explanatory notes would be useful in assisting them in records disposition. The schedule had been in effect for a year and a half when the GAO report was issued. As a result of that report, NARS began a review of the schedule and is currently receiving comments from agency records officers on the application and adequacy of GRS-21. Alterations in GRS-21 will be made on the basis of these comments and our own staff members' ree valuations of the schedule. We have also undertaken a review of our criteria for accessioning non-Federal records. In the past we have interpreted our accessioning authority broadly and have obtained some invaluable film records. However, in the interest of preserving the records already in our custody, we have begun to review our policies on accepting non-Federal records. In regard to our capability to preserve the film we acquire, NARS lias developed a 10-year plan for the preservation needs of the audiovisual records in its custody. This 10-year plan details cost estimates for a comprehensive film inspection program, and if additional funds become available, the program will be promptly implemented. At the present time, however, because of staff and budget limitations, the conversion of nitrate film must take precedence over the implementation of a comprehensive inspection program for safety film.