Opportunity to participate in a Northumbria University records management research project

Elizabeth Lomas (elizabeth.lomas@unn.ac.uk) of Northumbria University, is conducting a research project aimed at exploring the relevance and usefulness of records management constructs within Information Communication Systems (email, Facebook etc).

The project, undertaken by means of-co-operative action research, is entitled:
Continued Communication: confronting the challenges of managing records/data held within information communication systems.

The aims of the project are to:

• evaluate the nature of records within the context of Information Communication Systems;
• determine how records management theory can be developed to influence recordkeeping practice;
• evaluate the relevance of other business tools for optimizing information value (e.g. risk management, performance measurement etc);
• explore methods for enhancing user engagement with relevant records management concepts

Elizabeth is looking for records management practitioners, and other users of information systems with a wide range of expertise, to volunteer to participate in this research.

As a participant you would become part of a group that critically examines and reflects upon their own use of such systems. This will involve occasional face to face meetings (in London) and networking through Google groupware. All participants will have an equal opportunity to direct the research’s development and direction. Participants will engage in a personal capacity and therefore corporate permission is not required. All participants will be duly credited for their participation unless total anonymity is requested. All comments will be duly anonymised, as requested.

Participation benefits include:

• the opportunity to network with peers;
• insights into a research project and research programmes generally;
• information on the role of records management in the context of different types of information and communication systems, including Web 2.0 applications such as Facebook;
• references to key articles and literature, to aid discussions;
• the opportunity for additional training, as identified by the participants.

Please pass on this message to any contacts who might be keen to participate in the user group.

The study will support Northumbria University’s AHRC funded AC+erm project.

Please email Elizabeth if you would be willing to participate or if you have any further questions at elizabeth.lomas@unn.ac.uk.