Archiving and Records Management

This course provides students with the knowledge and practical skills required to manage records and archives effectively in both physical and digital environments. It explores the principles, policies, and practices of organizing, maintaining, preserving, and retrieving records in a way that supports organizational efficiency, legal compliance, and long-term historical value.

Learners will study the records life cycle, retention and disposition schedules, classification systems, and the use of technology in records management. Emphasis is placed on understanding regulatory frameworks, ensuring information security, and developing strategies to preserve records for future reference. The course combines theory with hands-on exercises, enabling students to design and manage recordkeeping systems that meet professional and legal standards.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

1. Explain the principles and importance of records management and archiving in organizational contexts.
2. Apply records classification, indexing, and filing systems for efficient storage and retrieval.
3. Develop and implement retention and disposition schedules in line with legal and regulatory requirements.
4. Use digital tools and electronic records management systems (ERMS) to organize and safeguard information.
5. Apply preservation techniques for protecting archival materials against deterioration and loss.
6. Ensure compliance with information security, privacy, and ethical standards in recordkeeping.

Target Audience

• Students pursuing careers in administration, information management, or archival science.
• Records officers, administrative staff, and office managers responsible for records and filing systems.
• Librarians, archivists, and museum staff handling historical or cultural records.
• Professionals and entrepreneurs seeking to implement effective recordkeeping practices in their organizations.

Course Format

• Lectures & Class Discussions: Covering theories, principles, and case studies in records management.
• Practical Exercises: Designing filing systems, creating retention schedules, and digitizing records.
• Workshops: Hands-on training in archival preservation, metadata creation, and records appraisal.
• Case Studies & Scenarios: Real-world applications of records management and archiving challenges.
• Assessments: Quizzes, practical assignments, and a final project involving the development of a records management plan.

Expected Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:

• Design and implement effective records and archives management systems.
• Organize, classify, and retrieve records efficiently in both physical and electronic formats.
• Apply legal, ethical, and organizational standards in managing records and archives.
• Use digital technologies and software tools to manage and preserve records.
• Contribute to organizational accountability, transparency, and knowledge preservation.