The following announcement was written by David S. Ferriero, Archivist of the United States, and sent to all employees of the U.S. National Archives and Records Administration:
This is a notice to all NARA employees.
Attention supervisors: If you have employees who do not have access to a computer, please ensure that those employees receive a copy of this notice. This includes employees on LWOP or paid leave.
June 21, 2010
Since being sworn in as Archivist of the United States seven months ago, I have been listening, observing, and learning. I've visited many NARA facilities around the country, met hundreds of you in large and small groups and one-on-one, participated in five-soon to be six-oversight hearings, met with external stakeholders and advisory committees, and become familiar with our programs and operations.
Note by Dick Eastman: The attachment was not included with the notice that was sent to me. If I can obtain a copy of the attachment, I will post it later.I have been impressed by the caliber and dedication of NARA staff and seriousness with which you deliver on and embrace the importance of our mission. I have also been struck by the need to transform ourselves into leaders and innovators of open government, electronic records, and organizational effectiveness. If we fail in this transformation we risk failing in our fundamental role as the protector of the public trust upon which this democracy rests.
To that end, I am launching the Archivist's Task Force on Agency Transformation. As you can see in the attached charge, the Task Force will identify the key issues, including barriers and opportunities, relating to organizational effectiveness facing NARA today and recommend organizational strategies that position NARA to flourish and lead in our new environment. I do not expect the Task Force to solve the key issuesthere is no silver bullet that can result from a short-term committee or report-but to identify those issues so that we can deal with them in a logical and sustainable manner.
The Task Force will be seeking input from of all of you in this work and will be using social media and other methodologies to do so. More information about participation will be forthcoming. I ask that you take these opportunities seriously and help your Task Force colleagues in this important work.
DAVID S. FERRIERO
Archivist of the United States
