At the end of this module student 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 Records Office (1999) Managment, Appraisal and Preservatioon of Electronic Records. Volume 1. Principles
2nd. London : PRO
Public Records Office (1999) Managment, Appraisal and Preservatioon of Electronic Records. Volume 2. Procedures
2nd. London : PRO
Saffady, W (1998) Managing Electronic Records
2nd. Prairie Village, Kan ARMA International 0933887779