The Government Records Service manages government records and provides a full range of records and archival management services through its two offices: the 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 notional savings on rental for storing inactive records in government offices.

    To support continuous improvement in managing government records, the RMO develops and organises a series of well-structured and comprehensive records management training courses for different levels of records officers and personnel. It organises briefings and seminars on selected records management topics for government agencies. The RMO also conducts records management consultancy studies and special review assignments 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 diligently 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 2001, 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 installed to offer efficient online and Internet access to selected 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.