College Park, MD. . . For the first time, Federal agencies that store records at the National Archives and Records Administration's (NARA) Records Centers will be able to request their records over the Internet. Archivist of the United States John W. Carlin announced that, in an effort to increase efficiency and customer service to Federal agencies, the Centers Information Processing System (CIPS) is now available online. CIPS, previously available only via modem, enables NARA's Federal agency customers to request their records from any of NARA's 16 records centers nationwide.
"We are extraordinarily pleased to provide this level of service to the Federal community," said Archivist Carlin. "Our Records Center Program is building, from the ground up, a state-of-the-art information technology system that will enable us to provide unparalleled service to our customers. The web interface is just the beginning."
The new web interface is also easier to use, with drop-down lists, check boxes, and button-clicks replacing typing and function key sequences. Federal customers can access CIPS at www.archives.gov/frc/.
Agency reaction to web-based access has been very strong. "Having access to CIPS online is a valuable new resource," reports Bette Fugitt, Records Officer at the Department of Agriculture. "This expanded service will increase our efficiency, and will in turn help us be more responsive to our customers. We are very pleased at the progress under way at the National Archives and look forward to continuing developments," Fugitt concluded.
The National Archives Records Administration has provided comprehensive records management support and archival guidance and services to the Federal Government since 1934. With the opening of the first records center in 1950, NARA has developed its records center system into a national network of 16 facilities storing, and providing access to, 21 million boxes of records.
The Records Center Program, as an essential component of NARA, is dedicated to providing superior records storage, access, and disposition services. This integrated approach yields great benefits to customers, as NARA is an active participant in the life cycle of Federal records from their creation through their disposition. The program is administered by a professional staff that is familiar with Federal agencies, Federal records, and Federal records management needs.
For additional PRESS information, please contact the National Archives Public Affairs staff at 301-837-1700 or by email.
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