This brief explanation of the critical roles that records pay in the lives of our institutions, communities, and individuals has become the centerpiece of much of CoSA's work. David Carmicheal drafted the original version for the Executive Summary of Safeguarding a Nation's Identify.

CoSA has created a "Why Records Matter" bookmark that has been distributed at IPER training sessions and at workshops and American Archives Month events sponsored by State Archives and SHRABs nationwide.

Why do records matter? Why does our government and why do we, as American citizens, need to take action to protect records from damage or destruction?

Records are essential to protecting life.

Medical records allow doctors to treat patients safely and effectively.

Maps and floor plans allow rescue workers to locate victims of disasters.

Infrastructure records showing locations of utility lines keep rescue workers safe.

Construction records help engineers assess damage to bridges, tunnels, levees.

Records are essential to protecting property.

Plats, deeds, and mortgage records establish ownership of real property.

Insurance records help owners recover losses.

Probate records and wills prove inheritance.

Bank records verify financial assets.

Divorce records include property distribution.

Records are essential to protecting rights.

School records document educational attainment.

Adoption records establish parental rights.

Military service and employment records provide access to pensions and other benefits.

Guardianship records protect those who cannot speak for themselves.

Records are essential to restoring order and resuming operations following a disaster.

Businesses need proof of assets, liabilities, contracts, and other legal obligations.

Governments need documentation of decisions, regulations, precedents, and lines of succession and authority.

Individuals need proof of identity, medical histories, and documentation of assets.

Communities need historical records to retain a sense of continuity with the past on which to build a future.