The secondary value of records can be ascertained most easily if they are considered in relation to two kinds of matters: 1) the evidence they contain of the organization and functions of the Government body that produced them, and 2) the information they

The secondary value of records can be ascertained most easily if they are considered in relation to two kinds of matters: 1) the evidence they contain of the organization and functions of the Government body that produced them, and 2) the information they contain on persons, corporate bodies, things, problems, conditions, and the like, with which the Government body dealt. . . .

¶

The values that attach to records because of the information they contain will be referred to as 'informational values.' The information may relate, in a general way, either to persons, or things, or phenomena. The term 'persons' may include either individuals or corporate bodies. The term 'things' may include places, buildings, physical objects, and material things. The term 'phenomena' relates to what happens to either persons or things – to conditions, problems, activities, programs, events, episodes, and the like.

¶ It should be emphasized that the distinction between evidential and informational values is made solely for purposes of discussion. The two types of values are not mutually exclusive.