Great expectations? Heliocentrism, semantics and the records manager
| Date | 19 June 2007 |
| Published date | 19 June 2007 |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/09565690710757878 |
| Pages | 74-81 |
| Author | Peter Benfell |
| Subject Matter | Information & knowledge management |
OPINION PIECE
Great expectations?
Heliocentrism, semantics and the
records manager
Peter Benfell
London, UK
Abstract
Purpose – This paper sets out to explore the role of the records manager and to consider what is
expected of them. It aims to encourage and challenge all information professionals to re-examine and
explore their own expectations of the recordkeeping profession in the first instance, and of the
relationship between recordkeeping and other information professions.
Design/methodology/approach – The subject is approached in the paper by considering
changes to the ways in which records have been created and managed, and to changes in
theoretical thinking about records, particularly the life cycle versus the continuum. This is used to
support the argument that boundaries between different information-related professions are
blurring and that information professionals need to re-evaluate their own expectations of
themselves, and of the other professions.
Findings – The paper has developed a model which extrapolates shared elements of the information
professions and consists of a central “meta-purpose” whose attainment is influenced by four
“purposing activities” and five “information aspects”. This model can be used as a framework to
discern points of similarity/difference between professions and understand where points of potential
conflict and complement might occur. The underlying thesis that the role of records managers
continues to change and that the boundaries between professions are blurring is extended to all
information professionals. Each is encouraged to understand more about the others and to
acknowledge that understanding respective strengths is the best way to attaining a shared
“meta-purpose”.
Originality/value – The “characteristic model” for the information professions provides a new way
of thinking about the similarities and differences between those who deal in information. It is of value
to records managers in particular, but also to those working in the field of information.
Keywords Records management,Roles, Information management,Communication
Paper type Viewpoint
I have always been interested in semantics and nuances in the meaning of words, and
how they may affect our ability to communicate or understand concepts. It is no
surprise then that when I have a problem to tackle I often consult a dictionary to look
for meanings beyond those that I normally associate with a particular word or idea.
When I began thinking about this article I knew I wanted to explore the question
“What is the role of the records manager?” There are two terms in it to pin down:
records manager, and role. For the purposes of my argument I am assumin g I know
what a records manager is. Keeping it very simple, an individual who manages
records. Therefore the key concept to define is that of “role”.
The current issue and full text archive of this journal is available at
www.emeraldinsight.com/0956-5698.htm
RMJ
17,2
74
Records Management Journal
Vol. 17 No. 2, 2007
pp. 74-81
qEmerald Group Publishing Limited
0956-5698
DOI 10.1108/09565690710757878
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