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Records, Information and Data: Exploring the Role of Record-Keeping in an Information Culture
This dynamic book considers whether and how the
management of records (and archives) differs from the management of information
(and data).
Can archives and records management still make a
distinctive contribution in the 21st century, or are they now being dissolved
into a wider world of information governance? What should be our
conceptual understanding of records in the digital era? What are the practical
implications of the information revolution for the work of archivists and
records managers?
Geoffrey Yeo, a distinguished expert in the global
field, explores concepts of ‘records’ and ‘archives’ and sets today’s
record-keeping and archival practices in their historical context. He
examines changing perceptions of the nature and purpose of records management
and archival work, notions of convergence among information-related
disciplines, and archivists’ and records managers’ attitudes to information and
its governance.
Starting with Peter Morville’s dictum that ‘when we try
to define information, we become lost in a hall of mirrors’, Yeo considers
different understandings of the concept of ‘information’ and their
applicability to the field of archives and records management. He also
looks at the world of data science and data administration, and asks whether
and how far recent work in this area can enhance our knowledge of how records
function and how they relate to the information universe.
Key topics covered
The keeping of
a brief historical overview
Thinking about
records and the transition to the digital
Archivists,
records managers and the allure of information
Finding a way
through the hall of concepts of information
Records and
data
Why records are
not (just) information; understanding records in the digital era.
This thought provoking and timely book is primarily
intended for records managers and archivists, but should also be of interest to
professionals in a range of information-related disciplines. In addressing the
place of record-keeping in contemporary information culture, it aims to
provide a balance of theory and practice that will appeal to practitioners as
well as students and academics around the world.
management of records (and archives) differs from the management of information
(and data).
Can archives and records management still make a
distinctive contribution in the 21st century, or are they now being dissolved
into a wider world of information governance? What should be our
conceptual understanding of records in the digital era? What are the practical
implications of the information revolution for the work of archivists and
records managers?
Geoffrey Yeo, a distinguished expert in the global
field, explores concepts of ‘records’ and ‘archives’ and sets today’s
record-keeping and archival practices in their historical context. He
examines changing perceptions of the nature and purpose of records management
and archival work, notions of convergence among information-related
disciplines, and archivists’ and records managers’ attitudes to information and
its governance.
Starting with Peter Morville’s dictum that ‘when we try
to define information, we become lost in a hall of mirrors’, Yeo considers
different understandings of the concept of ‘information’ and their
applicability to the field of archives and records management. He also
looks at the world of data science and data administration, and asks whether
and how far recent work in this area can enhance our knowledge of how records
function and how they relate to the information universe.
Key topics covered
The keeping of
a brief historical overview
Thinking about
records and the transition to the digital
Archivists,
records managers and the allure of information
Finding a way
through the hall of concepts of information
Records and
data
Why records are
not (just) information; understanding records in the digital era.
This thought provoking and timely book is primarily
intended for records managers and archivists, but should also be of interest to
professionals in a range of information-related disciplines. In addressing the
place of record-keeping in contemporary information culture, it aims to
provide a balance of theory and practice that will appeal to practitioners as
well as students and academics around the world.
208 pages, Paperback
Published July 31, 2018
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18 people want to read
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Displaying 1 of 1 review
February 25, 2020
This interesting book takes the unconventional position in the field and stakes out how records management and archives is distinct from information work. Yeo argues that records are not merely information, or information requiring special handling. Rather he borrows ideas from philosophy and psychology to argue that records are representations that their creators use to perform social actions. As someone who works in both fields (trained librarian and info manager working in RM and archives), this book helped me better understand the distinctions and relationships. Highly recommended!
Displaying 1 of 1 review