Established in 1977, the Department of Records and Information Services preserves and provides public access to historical and contemporary records and information about New York City government through the Municipal Archives, the Municipal Library and the Visitor Center. The Municipal Archives preserves original documents, photographs, maps, architectural renderings, sound recordings and moving images. The Municipal Library maintains a collection of unique reports, books, periodicals and documents. The Visitor Center features exhibitions drawn from the rich resources of the Archives and the Library. It is also a downtown venue for author book-signings, lectures and other happenings.