© The Scarecrow Press, Inc. 2002
List of Acronyms
See Book Review by Matthew B. Veatch
Kansas State Historical Society
Preface
Technology and the Transformation of the Workplace: Lessons Learned Traveling Down the Garden Path
Implementing Requirements for Recordkeeping: Moving from Theory to Practice
Obstacles and Opportunities: A Strategic Approach to Electronic Records
Government On-line and Electronic Records: The Role of the National Archives of Canada
Playing the Electronic Angles and Working the Digital Seams: The Challenge and Opportunities State Electronic Government Initiatives Present to State Archival and Records Management Programs
The Law of Electronic Information: Burgeoning Mandates and Issues
Riding the Lightning: Strategies for Electronic Records and Archives Programs
Index
About
the Contributors
Effective
Approaches for Managing Electronic Records and Archives includes fresh insights,
perspectives, strategies, and approaches for managing electronic records,
particularly those of enduring value, and for strengthening the operation of
archival programs in digital environments. The book is intended for archivists,
records managers, librarians, and related information management professionals;
for program managers; and for executives in institutions who need guidance on
developing policies for electronic records. The authors, all experts in the
field with experience in developing and managing effective programs, combine
their own insights and observations with advice on how to customize records
management and archival programs to fit particular settings and circumstances.
The
book presents a diversity of viewpoints. Rick Barry’s lead chapter provides a
historical retrospective on the impact of digital technologies over the past
four decades. Roy Turnbaugh’s provocative essay raises the basic question of
what we actually mean by the term and concept electronic record. Tim Slavin discusses the implications of
attempting to translate theory into practice in developing a strategic approach
to electronic records. Robert Horton discusses strategic approaches in the
setting of Minnesota state government. John McDonald analyzes roles for the
National Archives of Canada as that nation’s government moves to government
on-line. Alan Kowlowitz discusses the challenges and opportunities that state
electronic government initiatives present for archives and records programs.
Lee Strickland puts electronic records management into a broader perspective of
legal implications and issues. My concluding chapter sets forth a series of
practical strategies for electronic records and archival programs.
Several
themes emerge from these essays. Digital technology is not new—we have had
electronic records of one type or another for more than forty years—but there is
still no single “solution” to electronic records issues currently or in
prospect. Multiple approaches and strategies are needed. Traditional archival
and records programs, particularly in government settings, are struggling with
the issues. Advice and guidance from sources such as professional associations
has limited value; their chief role in this area may be to serve as forums for
exchange of information on best practices and successful approaches.
Imagination, improvisation, and pragmatic approaches suited to individual
programs are needed to make progress. Working as part of a network, in
partnership with others, is an essential strategy in many settings. Archivists
and records managers look for ways to proceed in concert with institutional
information technology offices or CIO’s (Chief Information Officers),
particularly in ensuring that records issues are addressed as institution-wide
information policy is developed. The situation is complicated by having to
operate in settings where the technology, legal mandates and rules, user
expectations, potential partners, and other factors are constantly in motion.
But progress is possible, as the essays demonstrate.
I
would like to thank all the authors for sharing their insights, perspectives
and recommendations. As always, I’m particularly grateful to my wife Susan for
her support and assistance during this and many other initiatives over the
years.
Bruce W. Dearstyne
College Park, Maryland
·
To
view the first chapter of the book, click here: Technology and the
Transformation of the Workplace: Lessons Learned Traveling Down the Garden Path,
by Rick Barry.
·
To
view purchasing information, click
here.