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G. SUPPORT THE PRESERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT OF PUBLIC
HISTORY COLLECTIONS
1. The History Advocates urge support for preservation of, and improved access to, New Jersey’s rich historical research collections. Specifically, the Advocates recommend budget language enabling the Division of Archives and Records Management (DARM) to fully utilize the New Jersey Public Records Preservation Account established by P.L. 2003, c. 117, including the 60% dedicated for strategic improvements to the infrastructure of State-level records programs. This funding source supports document imaging, electronic filing and records management systems; document conservation; preservation of “born-digital” documents; planning of storage and research facilities; staffing for arrangement, description, digitization and indexing of archives and library collections; and exhibition and publication of materials from collections throughout the state. Specific funding and staff are needed to develop web resources for New Jersey history, including databases and guides to collections, and resources for teaching New Jersey history (such as the New Jersey Digital Highway).
2. The History Advocates urge that funding for DARM’s Public Archives and Records Infrastructure Support (PARIS) Grants Program be restored to 40% of all fees collected under P.L. 2003, c. 117, to continue strategic improvements to the operational and facilities infrastructure of county and local government archives and records management programs.
3. The History Advocates urge restoration of the State Library’s Maintenance and Preservation of Library Collections Grant Program to fund projects that stabilize or improve the condition of library and archival materials of statewide historical, cultural or social significance. The funding level for this program should be at least $300,000. Similarly, the State Library’s Digitization Grant Program should continue to support digitization of primary sources held by libraries, archives, historical societies and museums throughout the state. This program expands public access to valuable research sources via the internet, and ensures the survival of original materials by eliminating the need for physical handling. Annual funding for this program, likewise, should be at least $300,000.
4. The History Advocates urge an overhaul of the State’s public records statutes (Title 47) to reflect 21st century advances in recordkeeping technology, and modern imperatives for improved records access and administration under the Open Public Records Act. Specific legislation providing a sunset on statutory and other access restrictions to historical public records is needed. The Advocates propose an 80-year limit on all such restrictions, except when a record relates to a minor, in which case a 100-year limit would apply.
5. The History Advocates urge support for expanded and unrestricted research access to historical birth, marriage and death records through transfer of the records to the State Archives from the Department of Health’s Bureau of Vital Statistics. The Advocates join the Genealogical Society of New Jersey and the State Historical Records Advisory Board in recommending scheduled transfers to the Archives of all birth records over 100 years old, marriage records over 75 years old, and death records over 50 years old. To properly administer these records, the Archives will require additional staff, equipment, facilities enhancements, and funding for conservation and access improvements.
2/22/08
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