The International Standard on Record Management, ISO 15489, identifies records management as a field of management responsible for the efficient and systematic control of the creation, receipt, maintenance, use and disposition of records. This control includes processes for capturing and maintaining evidence of and information about business activities and transactions in the form of records (AS ISO 15489-1:2002, 3:16). Thus, records and their management are seen as part of a larger cluster of related concepts that define a variety of areas responsible for managing and delivering information across the private and public sectors. Information management can arguably be considered the comprehensive term that covers areas including archives management, library management, publication management, knowledge management, information asset management, data management, information architecture, content management and information governance and records management.
These ideas have been thoroughly considered by Patricia C. Franks. The title Records and Information Management perfectly encapsulates the range of issues discussed in the book, which aims to highlight rapidly changing trends in the information management field caused by the fast developing digital technologies. Twelve chapters discuss almost every relevant aspect of records and information management issues affecting the profession in the modern world. Franks uses specific cases from Europe and America as examples to make her point. The strength of the facts presented in the book is enhanced by the expert views of 12 information management professionals. Each expert presents a focused section in a chapter that is their area of proficiency.
The impact of new digital technologies on the role played by records management in information management is very clearly highlighted throughout the book. Particular emphasis is also placed on how records management has influenced information governance in the modern era, and a discussion of how these concepts have evolved is provided in the last chapter. The need for records managers to deviate from developing records management programmes for an organisation to putting users first has been especially stressed.
Issues such as records and information access, storage and retrieval; emerging technologies; monitoring, auditing and risk management; long-term preservation; and disposal schedules are covered, along with specific record management practices such as creation, capture and processing; education and training; and how these information management issues have evolved over the years to enhance a broader understanding of records and information management.
The topics discussed have been organised into a gamut of ideas about information management in modern times, making the book appear like multiple case studies with records and information management as the unit of analysis. Relevant theories in the field of information management, such as information life cycle, diffusion of innovation and trend spotting, have also been appropriately included.
The various illustrations and some of the comments made clearly demonstrate the passion the author has for the field. Her expressions also show her special interest in the changing trends and the need for urgent actions to be taken. The range of reference materials used to support ideas provides evidence of the currency, accuracy and reliability of the book and the issues it discusses.
It is thought provoking to observe that theories such as diffusion of innovation and trend spotting have received mention within the consideration of how these records and information management issues are playing out in the developing areas of the world. In the fast developing digital world, records and information management, especially the management of digital heritage records, from developing areas is now a concern of international experts. Although developed areas are seen as early innovators and adopters of digital records and information management, a better understanding of these issues in America and Europe and other developed areas can enable their effective diffusion into developing areas. The book will be beneficial to professionals and students not only in records information management but also across disciplines where the application of new digital technologies is a concern.
