The rise of the ‘new age’ records management professional: records management education and training in Australia

Abstract

The face of records management has changed forever. For many organisations this has meant the loss of the traditional records manager, even the whole records section, as we knew it. Few would deny that the profession has moved from one based largely on a passive centralised reception of paper‐based documents to one rife with exciting, albeit challenging, possibilities in a constantly evolving distributed electronic world. The virtual office is nigh upon us (as we have been saying for a number of years!). Emphasis has moved from the purely reactive management of hard‐copy records to include the pro‐active management of the electronic record, and for many, a far more active role in the provision of information services to one‘s client group. Theoretical and industry driven developments mean that education and training for recordkeeping professionals need to encompass a wider range of knowledge and skills than ever before and educational institutions in Australia are rising to the challenge of producing highly motivated, well‐rounded recordkeeping professionals.