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The management of electronic records

Kandur, Hamza; (1992) The management of electronic records. Doctoral thesis (Ph.D), UCL (University College London). Green open access

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Abstract

The use of computers to create, store and disseminate information is revolutionising the way information is handled. The speed, processing power and accuracy of the computer improve the quality of office work and make it easier to carry out. However, at the same time, hardware and software dependency, documentation requirements, the ease of altering electronic information and the instability of storage media pose serious problems for records managers and archivists in the management of computer records. For instance, computer-based information systems have a profound impact on the structure and business strategy of organisations. Computerisation, while providing new business opportunities, has caused more centralised management in the structures of many organisations. Moreover, there are legal and social implications with regard to the authenticity of records, the accountability of the organisation and the privacy of individuals. At present, computer systems on which electronic records are created are replaced or updated frequently. New hardware is introduced constantly and discontinued within five years, while software products tend to be updated within two years. Thus to avoid technological obsolescence, electronic records must be migrated to current versions of software and onto a medium which can be read by current hardware. The diversity of computer systems also requires the application of data exchange standards to enable the interchange of data between different systems. In order to be able to tackle the problems, records managers and archivists need to evaluate their traditional professional methods in the light of new technologies. They also need to improve their relationships with each other and with information technology managers. It is essential that policies and procedures for the control and use of records should be developed. Moreover, the roles and responsibilities of the parties involved in the management process must be defined clearly. Records managers and archivists must evaluate their assumptions about organisation theories and management practices and address issues related to the legal and social implications of electronic records. Electronic records with potential archival value must be identified, documented, described and appraised at a very early stage in their life cycle. The timely disposition of computer records without ongoing value is necessary to achieve a cost-effective management programme. Finally, archival programmes must be developed for the acquisition, processing and preservation of electronic records.

Type: Thesis (Doctoral)
Qualification: Ph.D
Title: The management of electronic records
Open access status: An open access version is available from UCL Discovery
Language: English
Additional information: Thesis digitised by ProQuest.
Keywords: Applied sciences; Computer records
URI: https://discovery.ucl.ac.uk/id/eprint/10114966
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