There are many, though similar, definitions of records management. Records management addresses the life cycle of records, i.e., the period of time that records are in the custody of Federal agencies. The main tool used to manage the disposition of records is the records schedule . NARA is the independent Federal agency that helps preserve our nation's history by overseeing the management of all Federal records. Every Federal agency is legally required to manage its records.
Records are the evidence of the agency's actions.
Therefore, they must be managed properly for the agency to function effectively and to comply with Federal laws and regulations. Federal employees are responsible for making and keeping records of their work. Records enable and support an agency's work to fulfill its mission. Every organization, including Federal agencies, must address well-defined objectives that add value, either by achieving the organization's goals or by reducing costs. Since records contain information, a valuable resource, it is essential to take a systematic approach to the management of records.