Records Classification: Concepts, Principles and Methods

Book excerpt: Records Classification: Concepts, Principles and Methods: Information, Systems, Context introduces classification, an early part of the research lifecycle. Classification ensures systematic organization of documents and facilitates information retrieval. However, classification systems are not prevalent in records management when compared to their use in other information fields. This book views classification from the records management (RM) perspective by adopting a qualitative approach, with case studies, to gather data by means of interview and document content analysis. Current development of information systems do not take into account the concept of classification from a RM perspective. Such a model is required because the incorporation of information and communication technology (ICT) in managing records is inevitable. The concept of classification from an RM perspective ought to be extended to the ICT team to enable the development of a RM system not limited to storage and retrieval functions, but also with relation to disposal and preservation processes. This proposed model introduces function-based classification to ensure records are classified in context. - Gives a step-by-step functional model for constructing a classification system within an organization - Advocates for the importance of practicing classification for records, towards competent, transparent, and democratic organizations - Helps organizations build their own classification system, thus safeguarding information in a secure and systematic fashion - Provides local case studies from Malaysia and puts together a generic, globally applicable model