Managing Records as the Basis for Effective Service Delivery and Public Accountability in Development: An Introduction to Core Principles for Staff of the World Bank and Its Partners

INTRODUCTION The sections which follow examine the importance of good record keeping within the public sector and explore the need to manage information as a strategic resource. They outline the purpose of records and archives management; define the key terminology, theories, and principles underpinning records and archives care; and present a rationale for developing an integrated records management program. They review the legal and regulatory infrastructure for records and archives and conclude by outlining the key activities undertaken in records and archives management. A toolkit for assessing records management capacity can be found at: archives.worldbank.org.
CONTENTS Introduction  Section 1 Recognizing Records as a Strategic Resource  Record Keeping and Accountability  The Collapse of Record Keeping Systems  Why Do Records Continue to Be Neglected? 9 Electronic Governance and Electronic Records 11
Section 2 Principles of Records and Archives Management  What Are Records?  Who Uses Records?  Principles of Records and Archives Care  Section 3 Developing a Strategic Approach for Managing Records Records, Archives, and Information Management  Integrated Records and Archives Management  Key Stages in Developing an Integrated Records and Archives Management Program
Section 4 Developing a Legal and Regulatory Infrastructure for Records and Archives Management Reviewing and Revising Records Legislation  Reviewing and Revising National Policies  Organizational Policies and Structures  Determining Resource Requirements  Developing a Strategic Plan  Supporting and Sustaining an Integrated Records and Archives Management Program
Section 5 Key Activities in Records and Archives Management  Organizing and Controlling Records  Appraising and Disposing of Records Providing Physical Protection for Records  Managing Records in Records Centers Managing Archives  Section 6 Management of Public Sector Records Study Program