Appraisal and access. We should expect changes driven by the media and by public awareness
| Published date | 30 March 2010 |
| Pages | 72-77 |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/09565691011039843 |
| Date | 30 March 2010 |
| Author | Michael Cook |
| Subject Matter | Information & knowledge management |
OPINION PIECE
Appraisal and access
We should expect changes driven by the media
and by public awareness
Michael Cook
Centre for Archive Studies, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
Abstract
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to present a statement of the author’s personal opinion on
some of the effects of media discussion of issues with a records component.
Design/methodology/approach – In the discussion, appraisal of records for retention and the
access to be given to users of these are singled out. Effects of electronic records management are
included.
Findings – Accountability is seen as being the main principle in the appraisal of public records, but
is extended to the private sector in such matters as environmental protection. Access is effected by the
opening of the hitherto secret records of Eastern Europe, but also by new legal provision for data
protection and freedom of information.
Originality/value – Principles for further development of professional action in records and
archives management are suggested.
Keywords Records management, Information management, Archives management
Paper type Viewpoint
I am an avid reader of broadsheet newspapers, and I follow as much as anyone the
images and impressions made by television journalists. It seems to me that over the
last few years we have had a deluge of talk about issues that vitally concer n records
managers and archivists, yet there has been nothing to tell the general public that
records are concerned at all, and we ourselves (records management and archives
professionals) have not responded clearly to the debate. Some of the current
developments in law, the interpretation of law, and the duties of corporate bodies to the
public are very pressing, and will certainly have a strong influence on the way we
work. We should welcome this, but also seek to clarify the issues and show that we
value them in our work.
Among the most important of the issues concerned are those which bear upon the
appraisal of records, and on the way access is given to the data affected.
Appraisal
It has long been understood that appraisal is something held in common between
records managers and archivists, and also that there is always the possibility that there
might sometimes be a serious clash of interests between these groups. To put it on the
The current issue and full text archive of this journal is available at
www.emeraldinsight.com/0956-5698.htm
This article was originally published in Records Management Journal, Vol. 8 No. 1, pp. 3-9 (1998)
and has been republished as part of the journal’s 20th anniversary commemorative issue.
RMJ
20,1
72
Records Management Journal
Vol. 20 No. 1, 2010
pp. 72-77
qEmerald Group Publishing Limited
0956-5698
DOI 10.1108/09565691011039843
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