Appraisal and access: we should expect changes driven by the media and by public awareness
| Pages | 3-9 |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/EUM0000000007227 |
| Published date | 01 April 1998 |
| Date | 01 April 1998 |
| 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
Abstract
A statement of personal opinion on some of the effects of media discussion of
issues with a records component. 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. Accountability is seen as the main principle in the
appraisal of public records, but is extended to the private sector in such matters
as environmental protection. Access is affected by the opening of the hitherto
secret records of Eastern Europe, but also by new legal provision for data
protection and freedom of information. Principles for further development of
professional action in records and archives management are suggested.
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 concern 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
Records Management Journal, vol. 8, no. 1, April 1998, pp. 3–9
Records Management Journal, Vol. 8, No. 1, April 1998
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