Perspectives on the relationship between records management and information governance

Abstract

Purpose The increasing prominence of the use of the term information governance (IG) raises fundamental questions about the role and relevance of records management in today’s organisations. As a starting point, this paper aims to explore the relationship between records management and IG by considering both recordkeeping and non-recordkeeping perspectives. Design/methodology/approach The research discusses literature chiefly from 2013 to the present to shed light on how discussion of the relationship between records management and IG has evolved over the past few years. Findings A range of perspectives on the relationship between records management and IG was evident and, notably, a lack of direct engagement from the records management community. Taking the positive perspectives that emerged, IG was seen as an opportunity for records management. By contrast, others regarded it as a necessary successor to records management, the latter perceived as too associated with the paper era to be capable of meeting the organisational information needs of today. Equally, others were sceptical about the real difference IG offered, suggesting it was in part a rebranding exercise, which did not necessarily articulate anything fundamentally new. Originality/value Defining literature in the broadest sense, this paper offers a high-level review of some of the recent discussions that have taken place in a wide variety of contexts around the relationship between records management and IG. It includes journal articles, books, online discussions from professional forums and listservs, vendor contributions, opinion-pieces and blogs and in particular focuses on presenting a range of viewpoints from individuals operating within various information-related spaces, including records and information management, IG, and information technology. It is hoped that this preliminary research will encourage further engagement on the subject from recordkeeping professionals.