NYC Department Of Records And Information Services
Focus
The NYC Department of Records and Information Services does not have a distinct project associated with collecting Covid-related documents, but mayoral and city agency records from the time of the pandemic will be processed into the Municipal Archives and Library and made available to the public according to standard procedures and timetables.
History
Founded in 1950, the Municipal Archives preserves and makes available the historical records of New York City municipal government. Dating from the early seventeenth century to the present, the Municipal Archives comprises the largest local government archive in North America. Acquired from city agencies, the Archives hold the records depicting the daily work of city government, including paper records, digital collections, web archives, still and moving images, ledgers and docket books, vital records, cartographic materials, blueprints, and sound recordings.
Collection
The NYC Municipal Library and Archives collect digital and print publications from New York City government in the Government Publication Portal. In addition, we collect quarterly snapshots of City government agency websites and social media accounts. The Municipal Archives collects historical records, both digital and analog, from city agencies and the mayor’s office.
Form of Collection
The Library and Archives collect records in both digital and analog formats. Its holdings include objects, photographic materials, audio-visual materials, drawings and blueprints, and paper.
Emphasis
Documents created by New York City government, including city agencies and the mayor’s office.
Time Period
Holdings of the Library and Archives cover not just the period of the pandemic, but also include records produced during previous epidemics and public health crises that help set the COVID years in their historical context.
Public Access
The Municipal Library and Archives collections are open to the public at:
Dept. of Records and Information Services
31 Chambers St.
New York, NY 10007
And online at:
Contact Person
Research Staff
Email: Research@records.nyc.gov