Records Management Handbook is a complete guide to the practice of records and information management. Written from a multi-media perspective and with a comprehensive systems design orientation, the authors present proven management strategies for developing, implementing and operating a ’21st century’ records management programme. Where most available titles are biased toward dealing with inactive records, this book gives a balanced treatment for all phases of the record's life cycle, from creation or receipt through to ultimate disposition. The Records Management Handbook is a practical reference for use by records managers, analysts, and other information management professionals, which will aid decision-making, improve job performance, stimulate ideas, help avoid legal problems, minimize risk and error, save time and reduce expense. Special features of the second edition include: ¢ new chapters on record media, active records systems and records disposition ¢ new information on management strategies and programme implementation ¢ revised guidance and material on records appraisal and record inventorying ¢ expanded and increased information on retention scheduling, records storage and electronic forms.
Biography
Ira A Penn is a Senior Management Analyst with the US Federal Government and the Editor of the Records Management Quarterly published by the Association of Records Managers and Administrators. An internationally known author and speaker, he is the recipient of the Emmett Leahy Award for records management excellence, and has been involved with management analysis and records management for over 30 years. Gail B Pennix is an independent consultant in Boston, MA associated with the Records Improvement Institute. The holder of an MLS from Simmons College in Boston and with 20 years of professional records management experience, she has taught records management at university level, authored several articles, and lectured at various seminars. Jim Coulson is President and Senior Consultant with Records Improvement Institute, Westboro, MA. He has been active in records management for 24 years as a record analyst, microfilm supervisor, filing systems sales representative, senior executive, and consultant. A developer of automated records management software, university lecturer, and author, he regularly conducts records management seminars for organizations throughout North America.
’...an excellent guide for all those employed in the management of records...One of the delights of the book is that it is readable, clear and instructive.’ Journal of the Society of Archivists ’Records Management Handbook is a very good book! It should be considered a worthwhile investment and is highly recommended as an addition to any records management library.’ Records Management Quarterly ’Strengths of this work include its clear definition of business records and their functions, the emphasis on the information life cycle at the records creation stage, the weight given to the management aspect of records management, the balanced view of technology as a tool rather than an end in itself, and the focus on the importance of organization-wide indexing standards and master classification plans for all business records, including paper and electronic. The well respected authors of this book have drawn their inspiration from many years of practical experience and teaching in the field. The first edition was a major contribution to the profession, and despite the expense, this second edition should be purchased by those involved in records management education and practice.’ Australian Library Review ’...a well written, practical and well produced book which certainly does meet the need for a good all round introduction to records management...Its acquisition would be money well spent on experience and authority.’ Journal of Librarianship and Information Science
