Records and Information Management

An authoritative guide merging theory with practical insights on records management. It examines the lifecycle from paper to digital and new media, factoring disruptive technologies like AI/ML and blockchain. Offering strategic guidance on governance, retention, and recovery, it tackles modern leadership challenges. Widely acknowledged as the benchmark text for both students and RIM professionals ("extremely comprehensive and accessible," raves Archival Issues) the new third edition updates its authoritative blend of theory and practice to reflect the field’s dynamically evolving environment, including the rapid rise of applications powered by AI/ML. Franks presents complete coverage of the records and information lifecycle model, encompassing paper, electronic (databases, office suites such as Microsoft 365, and email), and new media records (blogs, chat messages, and software as a service), while acknowledging the influence of emerging and developing technologies and encouraging new ways of meeting the resulting challenges. In this book, enhanced with supplemental contributions from a wide range of thought leaders and practitioners, readers will explore such keys topics as the latest advances in disruptive technologies, including blockchain, Web3, the metaverse, and evolving digital communication tools such as enterprise social media; an overview of the origins and development of records and information management; the discipline of information governance and the steps to develop a strategic records and information management plan; a completely new chapter that demystifies data governance, automation, and AI; strategies for the creation/capture and classification of records and information; approaches to retention strategies, inactive records management, archives, and long-term digital preservation; methods for access, storage, and retrieval of records and information; insight into electronic records and electronic records management systems; practices for safeguarding essential records, including disaster preparedness, recovery, and business continuity; approaches to monitoring, auditing, privacy, security, and risk management; fresh discussion of the leadership and management skills required of RIM professionals; and expert guidance on trendspotting, education, and training.