This course will cover the development of record keeping systems over the last 150 years, a range of Records Management issues, records appraisal, disaster planning and management techniques for record keeping professionals. It will provide also a brief overview of archives and records theory and of digital curation.

Seminars, 2 hours a week for 10 weeks

INFOSTUD5008

None

50% Short essay of c. 2,000 words

50% timed essay (four hours) - the timed essay is set to mirror a situation which might happen when practicing as an archivist, records manager, or digital curator, when a professional might be asked to submit a report or other response to a problem which has arisen in the service, or been posed by senior management.

This course aims to:

■ Give students a thorough understanding of the principles behind archives and records management theory and practice;

■ Underpin the rest of the IMP programme by giving students a comprehensive insight into professional principles and concepts, and by providing them with a sound foundation from which to begin their professional practice;

■ outline the compliance and regulatory requirements of the creation, management, and disposal of records

By the end of this course students will be able to:

■ explain differing approaches to records management and archives;

■ critically appreciate the differing issues surrounding archives and records management in the public and private sectors;

■ evidence a knowledge of the records lifecycle and the key relationship between archives and records management functions within many organisations including an ability to demonstrate how these may be applied;

■ appreciate the requirements for minimising legal and fiduciary risk;

■ Establish an awareness of the legal framework affecting record keeping outlined in national and international civil, criminal and company law.

Students must submit at least 75% by weight of the components (including examinations) of the course's summative assessment.