Government Records Service

The Government Records Service manages government records and provides a full range of records and archival management services through its two offices: Records Management Office (RMO) and the Public Records Office (PRO).

The RMO develops and oversees the implementation of a comprehensive system to manage records effectively and efficiently. It also operates Records Centres as central repositories for storage of inactive records transferred from government agencies. The provision of centralised storage facilities has helped to not only enhance records management practices but also realise substantial notional savings on rental for storage of inactive records in otherwise expensive office accommodation.

To support continuous improvement in managing government records, the RMO has organised a series of records management training courses under a total system and target-oriented approach for civil servants. The RMO has also undertaken a number of records management reviews for government agencies to help them improve the quality of records services and enhance cost-effectiveness in records management.

The PRO is one of the largest storehouses of treasured information for historical and other studies relating to Hong Kong. It selects, acquires and preserves records of enduring value from both government and private sources. The bulk of its archival holdings is held at the purpose-built Hong Kong Public Records Building in Kwun Tong.

With a strong public focus, the PRO also helps promote knowledge, appreciation and use of local documentary heritage and has been working continuously to promote its archival holdings and services. An automated system for the management of archival records has been implemented since 1997 to assist members of the public in searching, identifying and accessing the archival resources. In January, the PRO established the Central Preservation Library for Government Publications to preserve and provide one-stop access to the valuable published materials of the Government. To further enhance public services, an integrated information access system is being planned to offer efficient on-line and Internet access to archival records and library materials in 2003. Good progress has also been made in conducting the Public Education and Publicity Programme under which exhibitions, seminars, visits and historical research competitions are organised.