Records Management Journal

Mathieu Gouanou; Mike Marsh

2004 Records Management Journal

doi: 10.1108/09565690410546109

Provides an overview of recent developments in the Records Management and IT software vendor sectors, showing the interaction between the two. Presents an overview of record‐keeping requirements based on technical references; an illustrative sample of recent (2001‐2004) events, which provide an overview of trends in the IT software market; show the impact of regulations and newly introduced standards in driving user demand; and how that influences the vendors. Provides reference information, summarizes the key points and draws conclusions. Recognizes the impact that well‐informed records management professionals, by applying current standards, have on influencing the evolution of products and the approach taken by software providers. Provides an interesting, slightly provocative new perspective on events which might otherwise go unremarked, with food for thought, and highlights the current importance and influence of records management professionals.

Ugonwa Ekweozor; Babis Theodoulidis

2004 Records Management Journal

doi: 10.1108/09565690410546118

Provides a review of the main features of the software available in the market that deal with retention management. Reviews a range of recently published works discussing retention management features and establishes a list of criteria. Reviews the most important and widely available software tools for retention management against these features and makes a comparison. Provides information about each how each criterion is satisfied by the reviewed tools and gives an overview on how the industry approaches retention management. Reveals that the list of the reviewed software is not exhaustive; also, the evaluation could have included more information on the tools and examples of how they can actually be used. Maintains, however, that this is a very useful source of information and impartial advice for everyone interested in retention management. Especially useful is the discussion on the future issues identified. Fulfils an identified information need for a discussion on how existing systems deal with retention management and offers help to an individual who wants to carry out research in this area.

Jacqueline Kavanagh

2004 Records Management Journal

doi: 10.1108/09565690410546127

Presents an history of the Written Archives at the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), stating that the Written Archives constitute the working papers of the Corporation from 1922 to the 1980s. Looks at present developments and how this will be managed into the twenty‐first century.

Stephen Osahon Uwaifo

2004 Records Management Journal

doi: 10.1108/09565690410546136

The paper takes a look at Management use of Records in Delta State University, Abraka, Nigeria. The importance of records and records management programmes was given. Other issues that were investigated include: the components of records management in operation, maintenance and use of records, storage and security of records for effective use, records disposition schedule, and the strength and qualification of the records management personnel. The paper concludes that the management staff of Delta State University, Abraka, see records as indispensable tools in planning, decision making and implementation. Over the years, the authorities of the University have therefore created, maintained and used numerous records. Certain problems which hamper the effective use of records by management in the University were identified as: lack of clear‐cut records management standard, inadequate professional records management personnel, non‐availability of automatic security/protection system and erratic electric power supply. In order to eradicate or overcome these setbacks, the researcher has made some far‐reaching recommendations.

Kenneth Tombs

2004 Records Management Journal

doi: 10.1108/09565690410546145

States that, for over a decade, knowledge management (KM) has been viewed as the way forward for information management and that it has become associated with Internet technology. Reveals that experience showed that KM projects were too often attempts by information communication technology (ICT) departments to prove that they understood how information was used by their businesses when in fact and they did not. Proposes that KM did not achieve what it set out to do because it is expensive and is not functionally straightforward, creating poorly understood operational problems. Concludes that records management is now emerging as the preferred tool for information storage because it is easily understood by all, relatively low cost, highly adaptable and low in staffing costs.