This overview of basic concepts about typical records management functions and overall records management program functions will provide useful background information to records managers, information technologists, and other agency staff who may be involved in such an initiative.
All information has a lifecycle.
Information is created, captured in some form, stored and ultimately destroyed or preserved indefinitely. An effective records management program is the foundation on which an agency can begin automating records management activities or implementing systems to manage electronic records. Some of the major activities of a typical records management program are described in the following. In conjunction with agency Records Management Officers, these activities are performed on an ongoing basis in order to establish and maintain an effective records management program. Distinguish records from non-records and uniquely identify the records found.