Foundations of Records Management

INTRODUCTION

This Continuing and Professional Education (CPE) programme in Records Management is a 120 contact hour programme geared towards equipping individuals with the foundation knowledge, skills and competencies required to develop, implement and effectively manage a Records Management programme within small to medium sized enterprises.

The programme shall introduce participants to the principles, practices and theories related to the management of information assets (records) from their creation, use and maintenance to their ultimate destruction, or selection and identification for permanent preservation irrespective of their formats. Discussions on the nature of recordkeeping from a Caribbean perspective will also be a key feature of this programme in an effort to encourage greater understanding of record keeping challenges faced in most Small Island Developing States (SIDS).

The target group is mainly individuals who have a high interest in pursuing a career in records management or those who require exposure to the fundamentals of records management. 

While the courses do not have any pre-requisites, participants are expected to be knowledgeable in basic office procedures and basic research skills.

RATIONALE FOR THE OFFERING OF THE PROGRAMME

The UWI Open Campus has developed this programme in response to a current deficit in training geared specifically to adult learners in need of fundamental knowledge in records management. Currently, there is also a gap in CPE programmes focused on records management offered by accredited institutions throughout the region. Through this programme, persons interested in the foundational aspects of the management of records will therefore be able to access a recognized and structured programme which will be useful in understanding relevant concepts in more advanced studies in the field, or for use in the world of work.

PROGRAMME AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

The aim of this programme is to build capacity in the management of records in the Caribbean by introducing the historical, as well as the contemporary and dynamic nature of records and recordkeeping systems. Areas include but are not limited to the infrastructure (formats/medium), equipment, management techniques, and technology required for the discovery, management and protection of these information assets through time.   

 This programme seeks to:

• Introduce and provide to participants the historical context of recordkeeping, as well as the evolution of methods and technologies used to create, store and organize information assets (records). 
• Support and encourage the participants’ greater understanding of contemporary concepts, terminologies, and industry requirements for the effective management of information assets (records).
• Enable participants to better recognize and appreciate the complex relationships between legislative, ethical and compliance requirements around the management of information assets (records) irrespective of their format and use.

• Individuals with some responsibility for records management within their organization.  
• Mature learners already working in the field(s) of information and records management, and who are interested in pursuing further studies in the field. 
• Individuals with formal qualifications in another discipline seeking a transition to a career in records management