Dear All,

I have been thinking about that question for some time. I think the field is at an inflection point. As better search technology becomes available, and filing skills are in less demand, the field is facing a period of change.

 

I do not mean simply that we are using computers more. Instead, I am suggesting that the culture shift within records management and our approach to records.  In the past, we may have had a difference between paper filing and computer filing. However, this was based on the same principles.  The paper file and the computer file worked on file name, folder, driver.  We can see this in the guidance Microsoft offers to windows users.  In both systems, the approach was on filing for better retrieval.

 

As the PC era progressed, the traditions within organisations around filing and file plans started to wane.  Today, I want to argue that the next generation of PC users, who have no connection to paper filing habits, have become better at searching than filing.  In other words, who needs filing when the search engine will find it for you.  I know this is a huge simplification, but this is a discussion list.

 

In any case, I would be interested in your views on the topic. I posted this article, that extends the argument, to my blog.  I would be interested in your comments either here or on my blog.

 

Best,

 

Lawrence