National Archives, West Virginia University Announce New Partnership
Press Release · Wednesday, February 28, 2007

Washington, DC…The National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) and West Virginia University (WVU) announced today the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding to establish a 10-year research and educational partnership in the study of electronic records and the promotion of civic awareness of the use of electronic records as educational resources.

The new partnership complements NARA’s establishment of the Electronic Records Archives Program operations at the U.S. Navy’s Allegany Ballistics Laboratory in Rocket Center, WV, near Keyser in Mineral County.

“I’m delighted that the National Archives has joined with West Virginia University to support our critical mission,” said Archivist of the United States Allen Weinstein. “This partnership is an excellent investment in education to develop future generations of archivists. It will also enhance public awareness of the significance of records documenting the democratic process.”

"I welcome the partnership between West Virginia University and the National Archives. This joint effort will help to ensure the preservation of America's history and heritage," U.S. Senator Robert C. Byrd, D-WV, said. "Without an understanding of history, we, as a nation, will not have a solid foundation for the future. The preservation of key documents and historical items will provide an important resource for generations to come."

Under the agreement, NARA and WVU will engage in collaborative research and associated educational activities. These include research in the preservation and long-term access to complex electronic records and engineering design documentation. The agreement also states that NARA will provide test collections of its electronic records as resources for scholarship, education, and learning in educational programs throughout West Virginia.

Another focus of the partnership is the investigation of applications of advanced technologies including the first installation of the Department of Defense's Defense Research & Engineering Network (DREN) in the state of West Virginia.

“It is exciting for West Virginia University to have the opportunity to contribute to the important mission of the National Archives through our research and educational programs,” said John D. Weete, WVU’s vice president for research and economic development. “It is a privilege for WVU to be in this partnership with the National Archives and associated with a program of such national importance.”

About NARA

The National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) ensures, for the citizen, the President, the Congress, and the Courts, access to records that document the rights of citizens, the actions of Federal officials, and the national experience. NARA plays a key role in fostering effective and responsible government through management of the records in all three branches of the Federal Government and through sustained access to historically valuable records in the National Archives and the Presidential Libraries. For more information, please visit the National Archives and Records Administration web site.

About West Virginia University

Located in Morgantown, WV, WVU is a public, land-grant institution and a Carnegie Foundation "Research University," engaged in research programs, science, engineering, health sciences, arts and humanities, and the social sciences. With over 28,000 students in 15 colleges and schools, WVU offers 178 academic programs from which to choose and countless undergraduate and graduate research opportunities. For more information, visit www.wvu.edu

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For press information, please contact the National Archives Public Affairs Staff at (202) 357-5300, or West Virginia University Director of News and Information Services, Becky Lofstead, at (304) 293-3990.

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