With respect to "archives" these are records, usually but not necessarily non-current records, of continuing value selected for permanent preservation. "Archives" usually refers to the building (or part thereof) and the systems of administration and/or management for the preservation and consultation of the "archives".
Although there is a distinction between a Records Centre and Archives, successful National Archives programmes manage records through their entire life cycle. In the Virgin Islands it has been recommended that the National Archives and the National Records Centre be housed on the same property so the management continuum is unhindered by distance between facilities.
The Friends of the National Archives is a voluntary organization that provides support and assistance as required for developing the National Archives. There is also a National Archives Ad-Hoc committee that was established to advise the staff of the National Archives. Click here for more information on the Friends of the National Archives.
Records of permanent historical and cultural value are stored in The Archives; the mandate of which is to serve as the official repository to preserve, arrange, describe and subsequently make available the records in its care for research and reference. Since these records tell the story of the Virgin Islands and its people, access to them is imperative for various reasons such as: to act as evidence in court cases; verification of dates of birth, death and other personal or public events; ownership of land; property boundaries; chronicling historical events for educational materials; genealogical research etc.
Records created in the course of an organization's business transactions are a vitally important asset. They provide authentic and reliable evidence of those transactions. This integrity is of instant value to the creating department in managing its own affairs and for accountability - to auditors, shareholders and to the public. No government or organization can possess a collective memory and operate effectively without the practice of efficient record keeping. Citizens also have a general right to obtain information about the activities carried out by departments and organizations acting on their behalf. This right is essential for democratic accountability and also if public bodies are to be subject to informed public scrutiny. However, it must also be recognized that the individual citizen has a right to privacy concerning personally sensitive data supplied in confidence to government or private organizations. Adherence to the requirements of Freedom of Information legislation, or any applicable legislation is essential.
Researchers, academic historians and students will make use of historical records to study the policies and actions of the organizations themselves but also for genealogy and other exploitive endeavours. Good records management can help a government achieve the following: policy objectives, a stronger economy, improved social services and health care, good governance, world class education, improved communication and infrastructure, sustainable natural resources and generally improved service to its citizens.