Containing the findings of a year-and-a-half investigation, this report outlines the present state of historical records in New York State, identifies problems in their treatment, and recommends corrective action. Assessed are the strengths and weaknesses of historical records programs in state and local government and nongovernment organizations, including libraries, historical societies, and other repositories. Findings include the following. Although the State Archives has made impressive progress since 1978 in developing policies and procedures for dealing with state records, it still lacks resources to fully implement all essential functions. Local government officials usually lack time, training, and resources to adequately manage their records. Programs for nongovernmental historical records are unsystematic and uncoordinated. Lack of public awareness partially accounts for the inadequate support of historical records programs. Greatly increasing the public's understanding of the importance of historical records and of issues in records management is a major underlying need. Also needed is better cooperation and communication among programs and an ongoing planning system. (RM)