State Historical Records Advisory Board Priorities

The North Dakota State Historical Records Advisory Board (SHRAB) works to encourage the preservation of and access to historical documentation, and to provide the information, technical assistance and resources which will assist records-keepers and historical repositories in preserving North Dakota’s historical records and in making them accessible. The State Historical Records Advisory Board was established in 1976, with a coordinator and board members appointed by the governor.

The SHRAB is one of many similar state organizations in existence nationwide supported by the National Historical Publications and Records Commission (NHPRC), a branch of the National Archives and Records Administration.

The SHRAB analyzes records conditions and plans its limited activities around what it perceives as the greatest records needs facing the state and what the role of the volunteer body can be. In its most recent review and plan, updated in 2006, the board concluded:

1: Training and professional development are greatest needs. All individuals working with historical records should have the knowledge necessary to administer their programs and to organize, preserve and make accessible the records in their custody.

2: Access to records is in danger because of attitudes and changing formats. Researchers should have ready access to historical records regardless of the format of the record or its physical location. Individuals seeking information from historical records should be able to find the information they need with as few obstacles as possible.

3: Historical records repositories should work to document all significant areas of the state’s history. There is a need to identify undocumented and under-documented areas in North Dakota's history. North Dakota's history must include the experiences of all of its people, including its ethnic groups, women and others whose activities may not have been well documented in the past. Finding and preserving these records will require the interest and cooperation of many organizations and individuals.

4: Preservation issues must be addressed. North Dakota should develop and implement a statewide plan for the identification and preservation of historical records and other documentary materials.

5: Records facilities need more space and improved environmental controls. Institutions and organizations responsible for acquiring, preserving and making available historical records should be housed in facilities with adequate space, equipment and environmental controls.

6: Records preservation needs broader support. Institutions and organizational units responsible for the management of historical records should have the financial and institutional support necessary to adequately meet their obligations.

7: Improved communication and coordination can create greater public awareness. Institutions and organizations responsible for acquiring and preserving historical records should be aware of other programs and work together to insure preservation of and access to the state's historical records. All citizens should be aware of the value of historical records.

8: Institutions must be aware of significance of archives for program success. Organizations and institutions need to recognize the importance of historical records for the functioning of the organization itself and for the benefit of the larger society.

Because training and professional development are both a top priority and an area in which the SHRAB can contribute, the board has devoted most of its efforts to this area. These efforts have included workshops and other training.