Established by the National Film Preservation Act of 1988, the National Film Preservation Board at the Library of Congress works to ensure the survival, conservation and increased public availability of America's film heritage, including: advising the Librarian on its recommendations for annual selections to the National Film Registry, apprising the Librarian of changing trends and policies in the field of film preservation, and counseling the Librarian on ongoing implementation of the National Film Preservation Plan.
The National Film Registry selects 25 films each year showcasing the range and diversity of American film heritage to increase awareness for its preservation.