Credits: 3

Prerequisite(s): None

 

Rationale for inclusion in curriculum

The primary responsibility of records and information managers (RIM) is the establishment of standard records management practices to ensure that an organization’s records (recorded business information) are properly managed. Records managers design plans including the tools, processes and procedures to appropriately classify, store, secure and destroy or preserve records. An effective records management program controls the creation and growth of records, preserves organizational memory, improves efficiency and productivity, ensures compliance with regulatory and statutory requirements, and protects mission-critical information. This course discusses the business record in the active workplace which is a prerequisite for secondary values that information stored in an archives may possess.  The course also defines and differentiates between official records versus non-records. This course compliments the Archives Management courses.

 

Learning outcomes

By the end of the course students will be able to:

Prepare to highlight program advocacy themes to support ongoing program activities (i.e. litigation support, business’s competitive edge, contribution to disaster preparedness, etc.)

Distinguish between records and information management and information governance and understand how the roles are changing as the record format changes.

Prepare a classification scheme or file plan.

Conduct a records inventory.

Appraise the value of business records.

Write a records retention and disposition schedule.

Identify the various types of access, storage and retrieval.

Understand the differences, including challenges, associated with managing electronic records versus hardcopy (paper) records.

Summarize the issues and know how to implement vital records protection for mission-critical records.

Conduct a records management compliance audit.

Differentiate inactive records center storage from archival storage. Also, note the various likenesses of the two programs.

Understand the challenges in preservation of permanent records.

Write a RIM policy outlining responsibilities of program managers as well as collaborating partners.

Design the components of a modern day RIM training program. 

 

Content

This course is based on the following:

Origins, rationale, and development of RIM programs and policy

Building an information governance program on a RIM foundation

Records and Information Creation/Capture, Classification, and File Plan Development

Records Retention Strategies: Inventory, Appraisal, Retention, and Disposition.

Records and Information access, storage and retrieval

Electronic records and electronic records management systems

Emerging technologies

Vital records, disaster preparedness and recovery and business continuity.

Monitoring, auditing, and risk management

Inactive records management, archives and long-term preservation

RIM education and training

 

Course methodology

This course includes assignments, class discussions, a case study, instructor lectures, quizzes, and exams.  Webinars reflecting course content are also used.

 

Bases for evaluation of student performance

Assignments

Quizzes

Midterm exam

Final examination

Case study

 

Texts

Patricia C. Franks. (2018). Records and Information Management: Vol. Second edition. ALA Neal-Schuman.

 

Approved:  April 2024