Principles and Practice of Records Management module (RM50006)

Records management is a professional discipline. It is concerned with establishing, sustaining and improving the record system of an organisation.

In this module, you will examine the principles and practices of records management. You will examine ways of looking at recordkeeping systems. This will enable you to diagnose problems and issues. You will also learn to design recordkeeping solutions.

What will you learn

In this module you will: 

• gain an in-depth knowledge of different theoretical models of how record systems work 
• explore different scenarios of how record systems have worked in practice. This will look at how they have done so at different points in time 
• think systemically about recordkeeping 
• acquire knowledge of record systems as socio-technical systems. This will include knowledge of:
  • policies
  • frameworks
  • rules
  • communication channels
  • repositories
  • capture mechanisms
  • aggregations
  • access regimes
  • retention and disposition regimes 
• understand the features, role and importance of these elements. You will also learn about the interrelationship and interdependencies between them 
• develop an understanding of how external changes can impact recordkeeping systems 
• be exposed to the latest thinking about the impact of artificial intelligence. This will cover its impact on different aspects of recordkeeping

By the end of the module, you will be able to: 

• understand the records continuum model. You will understand what it says about the defining features of recordkeeping systems 
• understand how record systems have changed over time. In particular, you will understand how they have been impacted by the coming of the digital age 
• understand key alternative policy approaches to managing digital records 
• understand the key points of contention and discussion in records management theory. You will also understand them in practice in relation to recordkeeping systems 
• understand the market forces that drive change in the systems/applications
• develop a diagnostic model. You will be able to identify the strengths and weaknesses of recordkeeping within an organisation 
• understand the implications for recordkeeping practice with the coming of artificial intelligence

Assignments / assessment

Coursework (100%) consisting of: 

• essay (30%)
• report (30%)
• assessed tasks (30%) 
• discussion board participation (10%) 

This module does not have a final exam.

Teaching methods / timetable

• independent study (100%)