Education and training for records professionals
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/09565690710757896 |
| Published date | 19 June 2007 |
| Pages | 94-106 |
| Date | 19 June 2007 |
| Author | Karen Anderson |
| Subject Matter | Information & knowledge management |
Education and training for
records professionals
Karen Anderson
Edith Cowan University, Mount Lawley, Australia
Abstract
Purpose – This paper aims to explore the definitions of and the differences between education and
training and the role of each in nurturing and supporting lifelong learning for records professionals:
records managers and archivists.
Design/methodology/approach – General definitions of “education”, “training”, “competence” and
“competencies” have been deliberately selected as an accessible starting-point for reflection. Different
models for competencies and the lack of consensus on what constitutes an appropriate competency
model for the profession are considered.
Findings – Education provides new professionals with knowledge of theory of the discipline and
helps them to explore current practice. It provides the information-seeking skills and encourages a
reflective habit that underpins independent lifelong learning. Training focuses on acquisition of
specific skills and competencies necessary in the workplace. More is needed for a viable professional
future; education for research is essential to the development of professional knowledge and for the
survival of education programmes in universities.
Practical implications – Professional associations as leaders of opinion and practice have an
important role in finding the way forward. Although competency standards are more appropriate for
evaluating training programmes, professional associations which have embraced competency
standards have attempted to use them to evaluate education programmes, but prefer not to consider
evaluating training programmes and training providers.
Originality/value – This paper aims to raise awareness of the need to give appropriate weight to
education, training and research to ensure that records professionals are known for high levels of
competence as well as productive reflection and creative forward thinking.
Keywords Professionaleducation, Training, Competencies,Records management, Research
Paper type Viewpoint
Introduction
Ideal professionals bring to their calling a specialised set of knowledge, skills and
attributes. They need knowledge of the underpinning theory and principles that
students should acquire in an education programme, or in other words, what they
should know about their profession. They should also “know how” to implement that
knowledge according to the principles absorbed during their professional education,
and “know how” to go about a range of common tasks or skills to a standard agreed by
the profession at large. A sound education at the point of entry to the profession;
competency-based training for continuing professional development and involvement
in research-based inquiry and knowledge creation all have essential roles in developing
and sustaining well-rounded records professional, to the greater benefit of the
profession as a whole.
There is growing interest in professional circles concerning issues of education and
training for records professionals, evidenced by the recent frequent discussion of these
issues in conferences. In discussions and papers the terms education and training are
often used interchangeably and yet they have quite different definitions. In the debate
The current issue and full text archive of this journal is available at
www.emeraldinsight.com/0956-5698.htm
RMJ
17,2
94
Records Management Journal
Vol. 17 No. 2, 2007
pp. 94-106
qEmerald Group Publishing Limited
0956-5698
DOI 10.1108/09565690710757896
To continue reading
Request your trial