After completing this module you should be able to:
define records management and state how you would set up a records management programme;
describe how you would assess organisational needs and develop control over the records;
discuss active records management;
outline semi-active records management
Brief description
Records created in the course of all organisations represent a basic tool of business or administrative transactions as well as an essential information resource for effective continuation of the business. The value and the use of recoreded information is dependent upon the ability to retireve appropriate infrormtion when required and , thus, on good management of the records themselves.
Records Management addresses the need for a systematic approach to managing this information resource throughout its life cycle, from creation to final disposition. It is a professsional discipline which is primarily concerned with the management of document-based information systems, but must increasingly take account of electronic media; it encompasses a range of stages and purposes within a systematic management process, based on principles of regular review and a controlled retention/destruction programme
Reading Lists
Books Core texts.
Kennedy, J. and Schauder, C. (1994)
Records Management. A Guide for Students and Practitioners of Records and Information management With Exercises and Case Studies. Melbourne: Longman Cheshire
Parker, E. (1999)
Managing Your Organization's Records. London: Library Association
Penn, I.A., G.B.Pennix, and Coulson, J. (1994)
Records Management Handbook. 2nd. Aldershot: Gower
Ricks, B.R., A.J. Swafford, and Gow, K.F. (1992)
Information and Image Management: A Records Systems Approach. 3rd. Cincinnati, Ohio: South-Western Publicaions
Robek, M.F., G.F. Brown, and Stephens, D.O. (1995)
Information and Records Management: Document-Based Information. 4th. New York: Glencoe
Journals Informaa Quarterly (Records Management Association of Australia).
Information Management and Technology (Cimtech).
International Records Management Journal (International Records Management Council).
Janus.
Journal of the Society of Archivists.
Records Management Bulletin (Records Management Society of Great Britain).
Records Management Journal (Aslib).
Records Management Quarterly (Association of Records Managers and Administrators Inc).