Records Management Journal 

About: Records Management Journal is an academic journal published by Emerald Publishing Limited. The journal publishes majorly in the area(s): Information management & Government. It has an ISSN identifier of 0956-5698. Over the lifetime, 504 publications have been published receiving 6704 citations.

Trusting records: is Blockchain technology the answer?

Abstract: Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore the value of Blockchain technology as a solution to creating and preserving trustworthy digital records, presenting some of the limitations, risks and opportunities of the approach. Design/methodology/approach The methodological approach involves using the requirements embedded in records management and digital preservation standards, specifically ISO 15,489, ARMA’s Generally Accepted Recordkeeping Principles, ISO 14,721 and ISO 16,363, as a general evaluative framework for a risk-based assessment of a specific proposed implementation of Blockchain technology for a land registry system in a developing country. Findings The results of the analysis suggest that Blockchain technology can be used to address issues associated with information integrity in the present and near term, assuming proper security architecture and infrastructure management controls. It does not, however, guarantee reliability of information in the first place, and would have several limitations as a long-term solution for maintaining trustworthy digital records. Originality/value This paper contributes an original analysis of the application of Blockchain technology for recordkeeping.

The Sarbanes‐Oxley Act

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this article is to examine the potential of The Sarbanes‐Oxley Act on financial accounting systems in publicly‐held companies.Design/methodology/approach – This article examines the Public Company Accounting Reform and Investor Protection Act 2002, commonly referred to as The Sarbanes‐Oxley Act, enacted by the US Congress in the wake of a series of business scandals in the USA. The focus is on the records management implications of the act.Findings – The Sarbanes‐Oxley clearly has the potential to elevate the records management function to a new and higher level than it has ever enjoyed in the life of US business corporations. Future developments must be watched to see whether this proves to be the case.Originality/value – This article will be helpful to those with more than just a passing interest in the significant happenings affecting records management in the USA.

Modelling the continuum as paradigm shift in recordkeeping and archiving processes, and beyond Ö a personal reflection

Abstract: This article outlines the development of a records continuum model initially developed as a teaching tool to communicate evidence‐based approaches to archives and records management. The continuum is being used in Australia as a metaphor to assist in getting records management ‘right’ in recordkeeping environments built around electronic communications, and the model supports this endeavour. It extends the concept of the continuum beyond metaphor, representing the case for viewing it in its fuller spacetime meanings as a worldview. In this form, the continuum is potentially a technologically driven paradigm shift within all information management and systems practice. There is a new game developing and the concept of the continuum can help us re‐organise our knowledge for that game. This article will discuss the diversity of records management theory and practice. It will look at the meanings of the continuum and my own model of it, including the differences between a worldview and a detailed view. Three other continuum models are presented. A continuum ‘patrol and control’ strategy for analysis is outlined briefly, and represents a point at which my own approach to the continuum is taking off into more detailed practical considerations in records management education and training.

The challenge of managing electronic records in developing countries

Abstract: Purpose – Electronic records management is new to most records officers and archivists in contemporary sub Saharan Africa It transformed the traditional mode of recordkeeping and brought with it some constraints which records managers have to contend with if they are to remain relevant in the information society This paper aims to examine the background of these problems as well as the strategies for e‐records management in Africa Design/methodology/approach – Relevant literature on archives development in Africa, electronic records, information technology, and records management were reviewed and the author gathered much insight on electronic records management in a digital environment These were applied to fortify the author's arguments Findings – The study shows that the major problems of e‐records management in Africa are administrative and the technically induced challenge and the benefits of managing hybrid records in Africa can only be realized if the appropriate infrastructures, workable legislation and regulatory frameworks, adequate finance, and competent ICT personnel are available Practical implications – Introducing technological solutions to e‐records management in Africa without first addressing those necessary preconditions would increase the vulnerability of public records and jeopardize public services in the continent Originality/value – The study highlights the potential problems and provides guidelines which information professionals and stakeholders in developing countries should adopt for successful implementation of e‐records management