Historical documentation is of special importance for governments.
ICT not only allows for quick and cheap dissemination of data, but also for its compact and convenient storage. Instead of warehouses filled with paper documents that can take days to search through and require an army of bureaucrats to keep track of, governments can preserve and make readily accessible at anytime vast amounts of government information and statistics administered by a handful of technicians, clerks and librarians. Governments have unique responsibilities to preserve the historical record. Preservation goals should be incorporated in system design.
The mission of the Malaysian National Archives is to hold in custody and preserve archival materials pertaining to the nation's history and to disseminate information regarding their importance to the public.
The Archive's easy-to-use web site contains a search engine for electronic data and research request services for documents. http://arkib.gov.my
NARA is charged with the collection, storage and preservation of government documents with historical or informational significance and runs what is perhaps the most detailed and comprehensive web site in the world in terms of public and government records and document preservation. The site gives clear and detailed guidance for government bureaucrats and officials on many issues, including document retention, conditions and process for disposal, and how to handle sensitive and classified information. The site includes a searchable online database as well as a function for requesting documents that are not in electronic format. http://www.nara.gov
