Introduction to Records and Information Management

Course Overview

This course serves as an introduction to the responsibilities of archivists, records managers, and librarians working in today’s business, government, and non-governmental organization environments, particularly the theoretical principles, methodologies, and practical administration of such programs.

The course emphasizes the history and changing nature of records and recordkeeping systems, particularly those changes influenced by technology. 

Students are introduced to the diversity of records created and preserved from the past and those created, used, and retained in the present.  Specific problems of archival appraisal, the organization of and access to archives containing historical manuscript collections, and the management, and preservation of non-print records such as photographs and electronic records will be briefly addressed as they are treated in more detail elsewhere in the Archives curriculum.

Course Audience

• Record Managers

Course Objectives

Upon completion of the program students should be able to:

• Students will know the difference between the responsibilities and activities of archivists and records managers and understand the influences of the institutional contexts in which documents are created, used, and retained.
• Students will have the basis on which to analyze the context in which documents are created, in order to evaluate the authenticity of the document, its value for retention, its likelihood of survival, and its management for later use. 
• Apply the knowledge and skills in the management of information resources

• Explain and provide viable solutions to the major practical difficulties in Records and Information Management
• Apply acquired knowledge and skills in managing different types of information institutions, in particular, Records Centre, Archives, Documentation, and Information Centres.
• Have sufficient skills to meet the staffing needs of the registries at Government ministries, institutions, NGOs, and private organizations.
• Students will recognize the changing nature of the document over time and technology. 
• Students will be made aware of the various professional associations, their activities, and publications. 

Course Modules

1. Introduction to Archives and Records Management
2. Significance of records 
3. Records information or evidence 
4. History of records, recordkeeping, and archives 
5. Basic concepts and theories in archives and records
6. Archival functions 
7. Recordkeeping functions 
8. Electronic records
9. Management of visual records
10. Integration of records into organizations