NARA's top-10 challenges.

• Position: ARCHIVES - National Archives and Records Administration

David Ferriero has been confirmed as the 10th archivist of the United States.

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According to a semiannual report to Congress by the Office of Inspector General (OIG), the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), which Ferriero oversees, is facing significant challenges. These challenges include, as published in FederalComputerWeek.com:

1 Electronic records archives--The system "has experienced delivery delays, budgeting problems, and contractor staffing problems," according to the OIG, which concluded that the program's success is uncertain.

2 Records management--The report says NARA must determine how best to identify and handle agencies with critical records management needs, considering the increasing volume of electronic records.

3 IT security--This area continues to present major challenges, according to the report, and "NARA must ensure the security of its data and systems or risk undermining the agency's credibility and ability to carry out its mission."

4 Public access to records--The OIG said NARA has a critical role to play in ensuring the timeliness and integrity of the declassification process so it can provide records access to the public.

5 Storage needs--NARA must ensure its facilities and those of other agencies comply with its records storage regulations.

6 Preservation needs- The report states NARA is...