Archives was first a part of the Historical Society (1951-1969). It was transferred to the Department of Finance in 1969, taking the place of the Division of Records (created in 1967 and staffed by archives employees). In 1981, Archives was transferred to the newly created Department of Administrative Services in 1981 (Laws of Utah 1981; Chapter 257). In 2021, Archives was moved with other DAS divisions into the Department of Government Operations (S.B. 181). The purpose of the State Archives is to assist Utah government agencies in the efficient management of their records, to preserve those records of enduring value, and to provide quality access to public information.