Rapidly-expanding field requires new book to guide best practices of electronic records management

New York, NY (March 10, 2009)— As the widespread use of information processing devices increases and the amount and variety of electronically recorded information evolves, information professionals require an increasingly sound understanding of records management concepts and methods as they apply specifically to electronic records. In Managing Electronic Records, 4th Edition, to be published by Neal-Schuman on April 1, 2009, accomplished author, educator and consultant Dr. William Saffady provides a timely, comprehensive revision to his classic resource that will benefit anyone responsible for the creation, maintenance, management, control and use of electronic records.

Divided into seven carefully organized chapters, the book begins with a thorough definition of electronic records, and examines their importance in current and future information systems, their relationship to conventional records, and their specific management challenges and concerns. Saffady then presents a detailed explanation of the physical and application characteristics of electronic storage media used by computer, audio and video systems, including magnetic and optical storage as well as solid-state and obsolete storage that may be uncovered during inventory procedures. The next chapter discusses different file formats involved in computer, audio and video systems, and is followed by a detailed guide to inventorying, with advice for planning, defining scope, implementation and follow-up. Retention schedules and principles are covered next, including important legal criteria, admissibility and operational requirements as well as planning for and implementing data migration. Saffady then covers managing vital records, including guidance for identification and risk analysis and control, and concludes with guidelines for the storage, care, handling and labeling of electronic media and examines the role of content and records management application software (RMA) in organizing, storing and controlling electronic records.

The book’s two appendices provide suggestions for further reading, as well as a glossary of important terms and definitions as they apply specifically to records management concepts.

Managing Electronic Records, 4th Edition uses a practical approach and clear, easy-to-follow instruction to help professionals understand the concepts and issues in this rapidly expanding field, and to develop and implement their own successful electronic records management programs.

Managing Electronic Records, 4th Edition
ISBN: 978-1-55570-686-9.
2009. 6 x 9. 246 pp. $75.00.

About the Author
William Saffady is a Professor at the Palmer School of Library and Information Science, Long Island University in New York City, where he teaches courses on information management topics. Dr. Saffady is the author of over three dozen books and many articles on records management, document imaging, information storage technologies, office automation,and library automation. In addition to teaching and writing, Dr. Saffady serves as an information management consultant, providing training and analytical services to corporations, government agencies, and other organizations.

About Neal-Schuman and ARMA International
Founded in 1976, Neal-Schuman Publishers is based in New York City with offices in London, UK. Neal-Schuman is a leading publisher of professional books and textbooks for librarians, archivists and knowledge managers. ARMA International, with headquarters in Lenexa, Kansas, is the leading professional organization for persons in the expanding field of records and information management. ARMA’s mission is to provide education, research, and networking opportunities to information professionals, to enable them to use their skills and experience to leverage the value of records, information, and knowledge as corporate assets and as contributors to organizational success.

For More Information and/or Cover Art
Contact Sarah Eisenberg
sarah.eisenberg@neal-schuman.com
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