Since this guide was first published in 1974, many changes have taken place in the National Archives and in the government structure within which it works. Most important is the newly independent status of the agency since April 1, 1985; the National Archives and Records Service (NARS) of the General Services Administration has become the independent National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). In addition, legislation and executive orders have changed some aspects of access to federal records.

Nevertheless, except for this preface, the new foreword, and an appendix describing the record groups newly assigned to the National Archives between 1970 and 1977, the text of the 1974 guide has been reprinted without modification. If users have questions about records accessioned since 1970, changes in restrictions on the records that interest them, or location of records in the NARA system, they should ask for information before visiting the National Archives.

Initial inquiries can be addressed to
Reference Services Branch

National Archives
Washington, DC 20408

Researchers

can

also telephone (202-523-3220) for information on weekdays between 8:45 a.m. and 5:15 p.m.

A new edition of the Guide to the National Archives of the United States is in preparation for publication in the next few years. The text will be based upon an automated data base that can be kept current. It is expected that those purchasing the new edition of the Guide will be furnished with periodic updates of the information therein.

The decision to reprint the 1974 edition of the Guide was made because the book has been out-of-print for some time, and the number of users of the records has increased considerably in recent years. This reprint represents one aspect of NARA's program designed to fulfill its mandate to preserve and make available federal records of enduring value.

FRANK G. BURKE