After completing this module you should be able to:
describe the place of electronic records in today''''s context;
define and describe electronic records;
outline strategies to manage electronic records;
discuss the issues surrounding the preservation of and access to electronic records;
describe electronic records management in an office environment;
state basic measures to ensure the security of electronic records and list the main ;
regulations and legislation which impact on electronic recordkeeping.
Brief description
Records management is an essential tool to enable organisations to operate efficiently, transparently and accountably. Records managers are experts in storing and retrieving information and through record surveys and functional analysis, they are in a position to have a global view of organisational activity and the flow of information. Their skills have been developed in the context of paper records.
Although records management started out as an archival tool, its role is now being re-defined in response to technological and organisational change. Paper records which can be touched, read and understood are being replaced with elusive, intangible records which exist in cyber-space without a concrete form. Organisations which operate in this pressurised, networked environment are increasingly relying upon technological solutions for the management of their information. Nowadays many organisations are adopting Electronic Records Management Systems (ERMS) as a ''solution'' to their recordkeeping problems.
Records managers have the experience of managing information and must take this into the electronic arena and take a central place in organisational policy-making.
Reading Lists
Books ** Essential Reading
Public Record Office (1999) Management, Appraisal and Preservation of Electronic Records - Vol. 1. Principles
2nd. London: PRO
Journals
Archivaria
Books ** Essential Reading
Public Record Office (1999) Management, Appraisal and Preservation of Electronic Records - Vol. 2. Procedures
2nd. London: PRO
Journals
Archive and Museum Informatics
Books ** Essential Reading
Saffady, W (1998) Managing Electronic Records
2nd. Prairie Village, Kan.: ARMA International
Journals
Archives and Manuscripts
Books ** Essential Reading
Journals
Informaa Quarterly (Records Management Association of Australia)
Books ** Essential Reading
Additional reference to a number of sources is made at each module unit
Journals
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.)