What is Records Management?
Records management is a process for the systematic management of all records and the information or data that they contain. Traditionally these were held on paper, or more recently on microfilm or fiche, but are now held increasingly within electronic systems. The core concept is the life cycle of information, which sees information having a series of phases from creation to final disposition either through a controlled destruction process or being added to the long-term or permanent record (the archive) of the University. Records Management incorporates the practice of identifying, classifying, providing access to archiving, and sometimes the controlled destruction of records.
Records management is the planning, controlling, directing, organizing, training, promoting, and other managerial activities involved with respect to records creation, maintenance, use, and disposition in order to achieve adequate and proper documentation of the policies and transactions of the Federal Government and effective and economical management of agency operations. (44 U.S.C. 2901) Records management addresses the life cycle of records, i.e., the period of time that records are in the custody of Federal agencies.
Records management is a process for the systematic management of all records and the information or data that they contain. Traditionally these were held on paper, or more recently on microfilm or fiche, but are now held increasingly within electronic systems. The core concept is the life cycle of information, which sees information having a series of phases from creation to final disposition either through a controlled destruction process or being added to the long-term or permanent record (the archive) of the institution or organisation it represents. In most cases that lifespan can be pre-determined at the creation of the record by use of pre-defined retention or destruction schedules. Good Records management is based on the principles of regular review and controlled retention or destruction of information The aim is that a record must be managed and maintained in such a way that it; • Meets all internal business needs • Defends the Institution and its people against all external d
Records management is a “field of management responsible for the efficient and systematic control of the creation, receipt, maintenance, use, and disposition of records, including the processes for capturing and maintaining evidence of and information about business activities and transactions in the form of records” (ARMA, RIM 101). The goals of records management are to: • Comply with Federal and State laws and regulations • Develop and implement sound record keeping practices • Identify, appraise, locate, and manage University information resources during a record’s lifecycle • Maintain consistent record keeping practices • Generate fewer records but better records Records management is a globally recognized requirement. In 2001, the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) issued ISO 15489, a standard for developing a records management program. Requirements for records management programs are also outlined in both Wisconsin Statutes and the Board of Regents Policies.
