Train, Train, Train: Why Good Records Management Depends on Good Training
In the complex and always-changing landscape of federal records management, the need for comprehensive training has never been more acute. Despite a common perception among managers that they are well-versed in the fundamentals of records [...]
Ensuring Accessibility and Usability in Federal Electronic Records
As government bodies increasingly digitize their records under the direction of the U.S. National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) and the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), it’s imperative to make electronic records both accessible [...]
2 Key Recordkeeping Considerations When Sharing Records Within or Between Agencies
The exchange of information and records within and between government entities can significantly enhance operational efficiency and policy implementation. For example, research published in Government Information Quarterly found that “inter-organizational information sharing improves efficiency by [...]
Understanding Where Cloud Solutions Fit in Federal Records Management
In the digital era, federal agencies are increasingly turning to cloud solutions for records management. This shift represents a significant departure from traditional, on-premises data storage, but it shouldn’t be surprising. “Cloud storage … can [...]
Making Use of Audit Trails in Government Records Management: The Importance of Tracking Records’ Histories
In the complex world of government records management, the ability to track who has accessed and what has happened to individual records is invaluable. An audit trail—a step-by-step record that chronicles the life cycle of [...]
Disaster-Proofing Your Records Management Programs
Disaster-proofing your records management program is critical to ensuring business continuity and records retention in the face of catastrophes and emergencies. Yet government agencies are typically unprepared in this area, with only ad hoc and [...]
How Organizations Undermine Themselves in Records Management
Sometimes, organizations are their own worst enemies when it comes to records management. We may want to blame overly complicated regulations (“it’s not our fault”) or underperforming employees (“it’s the workforce, not the organization!”), but [...]