_______ may include items like legal papers of incorporation, titles to ownership, deeds, major contracts, property plans, reports to shareholders, minutes of directors' meetings, and insurance policies.

The correct option is b.

Vital records are documents that are essential for the continued operation or reconstruction of an organization. The items listed, such as legal papers of incorporation, titles to ownership, deeds, major contracts, and insurance policies, are all crucial for an organization's legal, financial, and operational continuity.

The final answer is $\boxed{\text{b. Vital records}}$.