National Records and Information Management Month takes place during April each year. The idea is to stimulate better record keeping and information management. It also emphasizes the importance of having organized records. A record is any document, paper, book, e-mail, picture, recording, video, or other material that can prove the transaction of business. Records and Information management is the process that tracks a document or record from its creation until it is eventually safely destroyed or permanently saved.
History of Records and Information Management Month
Every April, Records and Information Management Month (RIMM) is observed around the world to highlight the importance of records management in enterprises. The goal is to emphasize the significance and relevance of organizing and maintaining records and data to manage information efficiently and effectively.Through the actions of members of ARMA (the Association of Records Managers and Administrators), RIMM was first recognized in 1995 as National Records and Information Management Day. The goal was to draw attention to the importance of renewing the US Paperwork Reduction Act. ARMA International organized a luncheon in Washington, D.C. as part of the celebrations, with members of Congress and the executive branch in attendance. The observance grew in scope over time, spanning a week in 1997 and a month in 2003, and now reaches beyond US borders to many other countries. Records and Information Management Month is essentially a deep cleaning for all of your records! Considering records are so vital, keeping them organized and safe should always be a top concern, and this month is the ideal time to get started.Create a system that allows you to quickly locate the documents and records you require. Determine how long you’ll need to keep records, and create a process for getting rid of the ones you don’t need. Always remember how important it is to keep track of your documents and information. It is critical to the success of your organization (whatever it may be). Begin this month and continue each month after that! Getting organized will not only benefit your business, but it will also feel wonderful.
Records and Information Management Month timeline
The U.S. Bureau of Efficiency is established to improve record management in government offices.
RIMM is celebrated for the first time as National Records and Information Management Day.
The observance is expanded to last for a week.
The observance is expanded even further to last for a month.
Records and Information Management Month FAQs
What role does records and information management play in a company?
Records management, sometimes called records and information management, refers to developing and maintaining a system for dealing with records throughout the lifecycle of a corporation.
What are the types of records?
Records of a company’s inception, growth, activities, and successes are divided into two types of records: operational records and policy records.
Why are Records and Information Management competencies?
They provide all sorts and sizes of organizations all over with standards of conduct for handling information and guidelines by which to execute the work.
How to Observe Records and Information Management Month
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Reward your staff
Rewarding personnel who are responsible for maintaining and reviewing your organization's records management program is a terrific way to participate in Records and Information Management Month.
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Train your staff
Proper training goes a long way when it comes to records management. Train your workers to properly handle the records to ensure that they are accurate.
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Review and update your security
Put proper security measures in place to protect your records. Perform regular reviews of your security system to identify weaknesses and eliminate them.
5 Facts About Records Keeping That Will Blow Your Mind
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Smart money
Going paperless means not just saving money on paper, but also on the maintenance and supplies of the printers that churn out the pages.
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Gone missing
It takes an average of 18 minutes for a person to locate a document.
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Clone time
The majority of documents are copied 19 times on average.
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Much paper
In the United States alone, there are about four trillion paper documents, rising at a rate of 22% every year.
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That’s a lot of paper
Every year, the average employee uses 10,000 sheets of paper.
Why Records and Information Management Month is Important
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Proof of transactions
Records are a crucial tool for fact-checking exercises. They provide evidence for all transactions made by an organization.
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Transparency and accountability
Accurately keeping records helps to verify the facts in any situation. Records offer transparency and accountability for all parties involved.
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Resources for future needs
Records are a great way to keep resources intact for future use. Useful information can be recorded and called upon when required.
Records and Information Management Month dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | April 1 | Saturday |
| 2024 | April 1 | Monday |
| 2025 | April 1 | Tuesday |
| 2026 | April 1 | Wednesday |
| 2027 | April 1 | Thursday |
