Forgot your password?
New user?
Document Actions
Chapter 9: Records (Data) Management and Interoperability
In this Chapter:
- Records (Data) Management
- Interoperability
- Meta-Data
- Permanent Availability and Preservation
- Additional Resources on Records Management and Interoperability
Records management is one of the most frequently overlooked yet important aspects of e-Government. Governments, like private enterprises, need to plan carefully in order to reliably store, retrieve, and use the increasingly large quantities of data they collect in automated forms. Without an information management framework, it will be difficult to ensure reliable functioning of e-Services. For example, the efficient administration of government benefits programs depends on accurate and accountable recordkeeping. Accurate official records also provide a foundation for the rule of law and accountability, and for the prompt and effective response to social, public health and economic developments. More generally, the process of developing sound information management policies and practices can also help officials identify and overcome barriers to more efficient government, since the process of defining information collection, exchange and usage policies can help identify duplication of effort and failures to collaborate.
The key records management issues for e-Government program managers include:
- Developing and implementing best practices for maintaining e-Records;
- Promoting among policymakers an understanding of the dangers associated with the loss of public records;
- Ensuring accountability for the management of e-Records;
- Increasing records management skills in civil servants and IT managers;
- Fostering collaboration among information professionals (records managers, archivists, librarians, IT specialists, and web content managers).
In recent years, national and local governments around the world have adopted detailed records management and archival policies. While different types of records can create different needs, case studies on records management in the legal and justice areas are especially useful. Governments should take advantage of technologies that facilitate the cataloging of records and the flagging and retrieval of information.