Managing Your Records Effectively
- Unit value:
Course Content:
Too much information, and no idea what to do with it? This course aims to help staff manage their information more effectively, by providing detailed training in the principles and techniques of records management. We will look at:
- What is a 'record'? The distinction between records and information.
- When do we generate records?
- Does format matter? Issues particular to paper and electronic information.
- Who owns records: the staff member or the institution?
- Legal requirements for record keeping and access, including Data Protection and Freedom of Information.
- How to organise and classify your records - options for filing and classification schemes.
- "How long should I keep this stuff?" Retaining and disposing of records.
- Managing e-mails as records.
- When do 'records' become 'archives'?
- Onsite and offsite storage.
The focus will be on records management at SOAS, but reference will also be made to the policies and procedures of other Bloomsbury Colleges.
This course is open to SOAS staff and to staff from other Bloomsbury Colleges.
Staff who are interested in this course may also be interested in:
- Six Easy Steps to Managing Information: introductory training in records management, Data Protection and Freedom of Information
- Freedom of Information - How the Law Affects You: detailed training in the requirements of the Freedom of Information Act.
- Data Protection - How the Law Affects You: detailed training in the requirements of the Data Protection Act.
Learning outcomes:
- Participants will develop an effective understanding of general records management principles and techniques, and local SOAS records management standards.
- Participants will leave with the knowledge necessary to translate these principles, techniques and standards into their daily working practices.
