Archives and electronic records: Workshop report

On December 5-6, 1997, Dr. Charles Dollar of the University of British Columbia's School of Library, Archival and Information Studies, spoke to a gathering of 45 archivists, records managers, health records professionals, students, software vendors and others on the management and preservation of electronic records. The workshop was divided into two sessions. The first was entitled "The Management of Electronic Records" and was organized around four themes:

• Information Technology Trends
• Conceptual Foundations
• Methodologies, Tools, and Best Practices
• Demonstrations

Among the issues covered in these four themes were:

• Computer basics
• Electronic records classification
• Electronic records retention
• Electronic records security
• E-mail, Databases, and Geographic Information Systems
• Standards for electronic records
• Functional requirements for electronic records management

The second day of the workshop was devoted to a detailed analysis of the challenges involved in ensuring long-term access to authentic electronic records in the midst of continually evolving technologies, with reference to seven themes:

• Risk Management for Electronic Records
• Dealing with E-mail
• A Technology Primer for Archivists and Records Managers
• Redefining Preservation in a Digital World
• Critical Issues
• Dealing with Technology Obsolescence
• Guidelines and Recommendations

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