As you're probably aware, the LGCL classification developed by the LAWS
project is designed to help local authorities to populate the Subject
element of the e-GMS. Here at Bolton we've been following its development
closely and I think it's very helpful. It's a subject classification,
intended primarily for local authority websites.
However, I'm not sure that's the same as the business classification schemes
envisaged in ISO 15489. For one thing, the subjects it covers are mainly
'public facing' - it doesn't have much about administrative/ back-office
functions. Also, it's meant as a classification of documents (albeit
electronic ones) rather than records.
The ESD list of processes, which Adam Pope references below, may be a better
basis for classifying records. ESD still mainly covers public facing
services, but at least they are processes, rather than subjects. Also, the
ESD is being promoted by the ODPM as the best way for local authorities to
measure their e-enablement for 2005, and many local authorities are starting
to use it.
It should be noted as well that the LGCL maps to the ESD.
I'd be interested in any other views on how useful these tools are for
records -as opposed to document - management
_________________________________________________
Carl Wiper
Information Officer
Corporate Communications, Bolton MBC, Town Hall, Bolton BL1 1RU
tel: 01204 331031, mobile: 0778 903 1512, fax: 01204 380043
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-----Original Message-----
From: Adam Pope [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: 26 January 2004 16:46
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Local Government and LAWS categorisation
Hi Records Managers!
I was wondering if any Records Managers in local government were aware of
the undertaking, largely by IT people it appears, of a 'categorisation',
which is essentially a Thesaurus or classification scheme, for local
government websites (including Freedom of Information and its associated
Publication
Schemes) available from:
http://www.esd-toolkit.org/laws/
More information about the project can be found at:
http://www.laws-project.org.uk/index.shtml
As I understand it websites record many transactions and the associated
records will have metadata that use this scheme. As electronic documents
become more prevalent IT departments in Council's that accept LAWS will
force Records Managers either to classify their records accordingly, based
on subject, rather than function, which I personally find distressing,
attempt to merge two Thesauri (mapping synonyms etc.,) or deal with two
systems!
How do other Council Records Managers feel about this? Has anyone been
consulted? Or has this debate already been conducted on this list (I'm a
newbie here!)?
All the best
Adam Pope
Records Manager
Camden Borough Council
Ph 020 7974 5643
Adam Pope
www.adampope.net
-----__0 Adam Pope
---_'\<_ 07748576211
--(*)/(*) London
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