N.Y. Arts and Cultural Affairs Law § 57.13: Statement of legislative intent

§ 57.13. Statement of legislative intent. The legislature finds that

public records are essential to the administration of local government.

Public records contain information which allows government programs to

function, provides officials with a basis for making decisions, and

ensures continuity with past operations. Public records document the

legal responsibility of government, protect the rights of citizens, and

provide citizens with a means of monitoring government programs and

measuring the performance of public officials. Local government records

also reflect the historical development of the government and of the

community it serves. Such records need to be systematically managed to

ensure ready access to vital information and to promote the efficient

and economical operation of government.