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Records Management & Archives

Records Information Management Plan

The Records Management & Archives section is guided in its planning by its strategic plan, the Records Information Management Plan. This document provides a framework for the direction and development of records management at Murdoch University and provides guidance in setting annual objectives for the section.

The Records Information Management Plan incorporates significant issues such as the legislative environment, foreshadows expected developments, commits the section to an expanding role as information managers, and emphasises accountability requirements and quality records management practices.

The Records Information Management Plan is aligned to the IT strategic plan and the University's Strategic Plan 2007-2010. This strategic plan has four main goals one of which, “Resource Management”, commits the University to exemplary organisational efficiency and effectiveness. Success in achieving this goal requires strategies that support best practice governance and a culture of accountable decision-making.

The Records Information Management Plan is guided by three planning goals from which objectives, strategies and targets are developed. These are:

Planning Goal: Information Management

  • To develop and implement integrated information management programs, utilising existing and emerging technologies, to improve the availability and accessibility of information campus wide.

    Planning Goal: Accountability

  • To maintain accountability standards by addressing all administrative, legislative, fiscal and archival requirements with respect to University records.

    Planning Goal: Marketing and Culture

  • To promote and support a culture of proper recordkeeping practices throughout the University.

    The Records Information Management Plan is reviewed periodically to ensure it incorporates developments in the dynamic environment in which records management operates.

    Objectives, Strategies and Targets

    Planning Goal A: Information Management

    To continue to develop and implement integrated information management programs, utilising existing and emerging technologies, to improve the availability and accessibility of information campus wide.

    Objective: Strategy: Targets:

    A.1 To ensure that full and accurate records are made, captured into and maintained in the university’s centralised record keeping system.

    A.1.1 To have a co-ordinated approach supported by senior management that university administrative correspondence is retained and dealt with on central files.

    • Provide information on central files matched to client information needs
    • Increase number of staff with borrower privileges
    • Low use of personal filing systems
    • Compliance with Australian Records Management Standards

     

    A.1.2 To have an electronic correspondence tracking system that can record and monitor the various stages of action of correspondence from receipt to closure.

    • Shared file directories to Office of Records Management and Archives
    • Administrative Offices to have electronic workflow capability linked to Office of Records Management & Archives
    • Establish electronic records management and security standards

     

    A.1.3 To have a system that will receive, store and index all electronic correspondence.

    • Shared file directories to Office of Records Management and Archives
    • Administrative Offices to have Electronic Document Management capability linked to Office of Records Management & Archives
    • Establish electronic records management and security standards

      

    A.1.4 To establish a relational link with records held in Divisions, Schools and Offices to the university’s Office of Records Management and Archives.

    • Standardised records keeping systems supported by Office of Records Management & Archives
    • Shared file directories to Office of Records Management & Archives
    • CWIS links from Division/School home pages to Office of Records Management & Archives
    • Incorporation of Records Management issues with Divisions/Schools operational plans

    A.2 To have systems that will provide efficient tracking and retrieval of information/ records.

    A.2.1 To have finding aids and information databases with the functional capability of keyword searches.

    • Integrated single search facility that searches for information maintained in various databases
    • Create electronic indexes for selected central files
    • Utilise scanning technology where appropriate, eg Senate minutes 1973-1997
    • Develop new (and enhance existing) "Searchable" databases of information on the CWIS, eg Senate Resolutions database, MOU’s/MOA’s, Delegations

     

    A.2.2 To have an advanced file/Archive record tracking system.

    • Utilise barcode technology
     

    A.2.3 To have an interactive system that will provide an electronic information search link from Divisions, Schools and Offices to records held in Office of Records Management and Archives.

    • Develop a network strategy
    • Shared file directories to Office of Records Management and Archives
    • Create records links between the CWIS and WWW, eg Federal/State legislation, DETYA, AVCC homepage links
    • Provide user training and support

    A.3 To exploit current technology to assist in the management of information and records.

    A.3.1 To provide an Electronic Document Management System (EDMS) that will maintain and control electronic records generated by the university.

     

    • Develop a skills training programme for users
    • Establish Electronic Document Management and security standards in relation to Murdoch IT Policy
    • Strategic trial approach implementation
    • Licences to selected Offices to use EDMS
    • Incorporation of electronic records in the university’s Retention and Disposal Schedules

     

    Objectives, Strategies and Targets

    Planning Goal B: Accountability

    To maintain accountability standards by addressing all administrative, legal, fiscal and archival requirements with respect to university records

    Objective: Strategy: Targets:

    B.1 Establish and maintain policies and processes to protect the integrity of information generated and kept by the university.

    B.1.1 To ensure that records within the university are retained and disposed in accordance with the State Records Act 1998 and other applicable Acts.

    • Identify key areas and personnel within the university responsible for the management of information
    • Annual consultative review of records held in Divisions and Schools
    • Monitor and review relevant legislation to Murdoch’s records and information management processes
    • Office of Internal Audit to include a recordkeeping audit in their programme.
    •  

     

    B.1.2 To develop and review Retention and Disposal Schedules for records held in Divisions, Schools and Offices to prevent the arbitrary destruction of records.

    • Place Retention & Disposal Schedules on the CWIS
    • Monitor developments and changes to information management practices within the university
    • Review existing R&D schedules annually

     

    B.1.3 To develop Electronic Document Management standards that will comply with the university’s Information Technology Plan and CWIS Policies/guidelines.

    • Review the Information Technology Plan
    • Liaise with the university’s CWIS co-ordinator
    • Determine multi-user access levels

     

    B.1.4 To develop an efficient system to audit the location of borrowed files.

    • Introduce a barcoding facility for central files
     

    B.1.5 To have a system that can "audit" the action required on incoming correspondence from receipt to closure.

    • Implementation of an electronic correspondence tracking system
    • Monitor user adherence to records management procedures and standards
    • Determine multi-user access levels
     

    B.1.6 To utilise the Murdoch University CWIS to publicise Records and Archives policies and procedures and other related Information Management procedures.

    • Place policies and procedures of Records Management & Archives Office on the CWIS
    • Create web links of policies and procedures to university Library and Government agencies

    B.2 To ensure the sufficiency of the University’s records and archival space requirements.

    B.2.1 To monitor the rate of space usage and determine future needs.

    • On-going liaison with the Office of Facilities Management
    • On-going liaison with Chancellery and Divisional Offices

     

    Objectives, Strategies and Targets

    Planning Goal C: Marketing/Culture

    To promote and support a culture of proper record keeping practices throughout the university

    Objective: Strategy: Targets:

    C.1 To provide an understanding of the benefits and importance of adopting proper records management practices within the university.

    C.1.1 To promote the objectives and functions of the Office of Records Management & Archives and the services it offers to the university community.

    • Production of information booklets, user guides, pamphlets, newsletters
    • Develop Office of Records Management & Archives web page
    • Identify key personnel responsible for the management of information and provide an on-going support/consultancy role
    • Annual review of records held in Divisions/Offices

     

    C.1.2 To have a more interactive role in the decision making processes of the university on issues that involve data and information management.

    • Identify strategic committees/working parties
    • Liaise with the university’s CWIS Coordinator

     

    C.1.3 To develop a formal training program on Records Management that targets all records practitioners.

    • Mandatory training for persons responsible for records and information management in their Office
    • Development of client user training guide booklets
    • Evaluate/promote externally run courses considered suitable for records users
    • Review currency of training program and client needs

     

    C.1.4 To establish best practice procedures by developing a continuous process of review by benchmarking the Murdoch Office of Records Management and Archives to external Records Management agencies.

    • Formalise and implement a benchmarking strategy
    • Link benchmarking to Performance Development
    • Identify and support training needs of records personnel including seminar/conference attendance