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This dynamic book considers whether and how the management of records (and archives) differs from the management of information (and data). Can archives and records management still make a distinctive contribution in the 21st century, or are they now being dissolved into a wider world of information governance? What should be our conceptual understanding of records in the digital era? What are the practical implications of the information revolution for the work of archivists and records managers?Geoffrey Yeo, a distinguished expert in the global field, explores concepts of ‘records'and ‘archives'and sets today's record-keeping and archival practices in their historical context. He examines changing perceptions of the nature and purpose of records management and archival work, notions of convergence among information-related disciplines, and archivists'and records managers'attitudes to information and its governance. Starting with Peter Morville's dictum that ‘when we try to define information, we become lost in a hall of mirrors', Yeo considers different understandings of the concept of ‘information'and their applicability to the field of archives and records management. He also looks at the world of data science and data administration, and asks whether and how far recent work in this area can enhance our knowledge of how records function and how they relate to the information universe.Key topics covered include: The keeping of records: a brief historical overview Thinking about records and archives: the transition to the digital Archivists, records managers and the allure of information Finding a way through the hall of mirrors: concepts of information Records and data Why records are not (just) information; understanding records in the digital era. This thought provoking and timely book is primarily intended for records managers and archivists, but should also be of interest to professionals in a range of information-related disciplines. In addressing the place of record-keeping in contemporary information culture, it aims to provide a balance of theory and practice that will appeal to practitioners as well as students and academics around the world.

This practical how-to-do-it guide is ideal for professionals involved in the management of archives and records, especially if they are just starting out or without formal training. The book covers all aspects of recordkeeping and archives management. It follows the records'journey from creation, through the application of classification and access techniques, evaluation for business, legal and historical value and finally to destruction or preservation and access in the archive. Based on the internationally renowned training days run by the author and her business partner, The No-nonsense Guide to Archives and Recordkeeping deals with records and archives in all formats. It utilizes checklists, practical exercises, sample documentation, case studies and helpful diagrams to ensure a very accessible and pragmatic approach, allowing anyone to get to grips with the basics quickly. The book is divided into four main work areas: current records: including creation, filing, classification and security records management: including aims, risks, planning, preparation and delivery archives management: including collecting policies, intellectual property rights, appraisal, digitization and outreach archival preservation: including policy, disaster prevention and repositories. This one-stop-shop will be essential for a wide readership including archives and records assistants, librarians, information managers and IT professionals responsible for archives and records and managers of archives staff.

The systematic management of records is an important activity for'information businesses'such as museums and galleries, but is not always recognized as a core function. Record keeping activities are often concentrated on small groups of records, and staff charged with managing them may have limited experience in the field.Records Management for Museums and Galleries offers a comprehensive overview of records management work within the heritage sector and draws on over a decade of experience in applying fundamental principles and practices to the specific circumstances of museums. It introduces readers to the institutional culture, functions, and records common to museums, and examines the legislative and regulatory environments affecting record-keeping practices. The book is comprised of eight chapters, including: a history of records keeping in the UK museum and gallery sector; the basics of records management; making a business case for records management; requirements of legislation for records management; how to conduct a records survey; strategy and action planning; how to develop a file plan, retention schedule and records management programme; and a guide to useful additional resources. - Gives practical and tested solutions to real world issues - Fills a gap in the literature as a handbook in this important sector - Provides an overview of the sector as a whole

The way in which we view the nature of archives and the role of the archivist has changed significantly in the last few decades. With increasing interest from outside of the profession, the idea of archives as the static, impartial carriers of truth and the archivist as a guardian of records has been questioned: how can society take greater control over its own written memory? There have been a number of other changes which have impacted upon the way archivists conceive of themselves and the way in which they work. Chief among these are the rapid rise of technology and the challenges this poses, and the changing place of archives within related fields, such as records and information management. It is imperative that archivists engage with these challenges if archives are to emerge as a renewed force in the 21st century. This much-needed book is designed not as a practical guide to professional practice, but rather as a reader addressing these challenges. The chapters are contributed by leaders in the field, and are grouped around the following four core themes: defining archives shaping a discipline Archives 2.0: archives in society archives in the information age: is there still a role for the archivist? Each chapter represents a defined argument in its own right to enable readers to dip in and out of the collection as they wish, and the book is structured to highlight chapters that share a common theme. Readership: Archivists and students of archive administration.