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What is Records Management?

Records management is a discipline whose practice represents a major component of recordkeeping.  A comprehensive view records management comprises:

1. a. Managing the records continuum, from design of recordkeeping system to the end of the records’ existence
2. b. Providing a service to meet the needs, and protect the interests, of the organisation and its clients.
3. c. Capturing complete, accurate, realisable and useable documentation of organisational activity to meet legal, evidential and accountability     requirements.
4. d. Managing records as an asset and information resource rather than as a liability.
5. e. Promoting efficiency and economy, both in the management of records and in organisational activity as a whole, through sound     recordkeeping practices.

The definition broadens the traditional focus of records management and places records management within the framework of recordkeeping.  Recordkeeping becomes the common focus for records managers, archivist and anyone else concerned with meeting the need for evidence of business activities.