On November 28 , 2011, President Obama signed the Presidential Memorandum - Managing Government Records. This memorandum marked the beginning of an Executive Branch-wide effort to reform records management policies and practices and to develop a 21st-century framework for the management of Government records. The expected benefits of this effort include:

• improved performance and promotion of openness and accountability by better documenting agency actions and decisions ;
• further identification and transfer to the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) of the permanently valuable historical records through which future generations will understand and learn from our actions and decisions ; and
• assistance to executive departments and agencies (referred to collectively as agencies) in minimizing costs and operating more efficiently.

Records are the foundation of open government, supporting the principles of transparency, participation, and collaboration. Well-managed records can be used to assess the impact of programs, to improve business processes, and to share knowledge across the Government. Records protect the rights and interests of people, and hold officials accountable for their actions. Permanent records document our nation' s history.

Records are essential for the effective and productive functioning of private and public organizations. Records document the decisions and activities of governments and private institutions, and serve as a benchmark by which future activities and decisions are measured. They document fundamental rights and obligations, and differentiate the rule of law from the actions of arbitrary states. Without records there can be no rule of law and no accountability. Without good records, officials are forced to take decisions on an ad hoc basis without the benefit of an institutional memory. Fraud cannot be proven, meaningful audits cannot be carried out, and government actions are not open to review. In addition, the people of the government cannot make an informed contribution to the governance process or claim their rights.
Governments which rely upon the rule of law depend upon legislative records, court records, police and prison records.
To demonstrate accountability to its citizens, a government relies upon policy files, budget papers, accounting records, procurement records, personnel records, tax records, customs records, and electoral registers, property and fixed assets registers
The protection of entitlements depends upon pension records, social security records, land registration records, and birth/death records.
In providing services for its citizens, a government needs hospital records, school records, and environmental protection monitoring records.

In documenting its relationship with other countries, a government needs foreign relations and international obligations, treaties, correspondence with national and international bodies, loan agreements, etc.
Without adequate records, the effectiveness of development projects must suffer. There will be no means of verifying that the development project falls within acceptable legal, financial and cultural boundaries of a client government. There will be no means to verify that funds for development are used as intended.
Lack of records management is directly linked to the persistence of corruption and fraud. Experts in financial management and control recognize that well-managed record systems are vital to the success of most anti-corruption strategies. Records provide verifiable evidence of fraud and can lead investigators to the root of corruption. Well-managed records can act as a cost effective restraint. On the whole, prevention is much cheaper than prosecution.
The loss of control of records has consequences for all citizens, especially for the poorest, who are least able to defend themselves. Relevant and accurate public records must exist if governments are to preserve the rule of law and to demonstrate fair, equal, and consistent treatment of citizens.