On the nature of records management theory

Abstract

Theory is defined as a view or description of the nature of something. The nature of theory relating to records management is examined, including information retrieval, the records life cycle, and information policy. Records management theory should not be seen in isolation and need not be unique to records management. Functional, professional, and educational contexts of records management theory are outlined, with examples.Note: This paper is reprinted, with a few minor changes, from Association of Records Managers and Administrators, Proceedings of the ARMA International 35th Annual Conference, 1990 (Prairie Village, Kans.: ARMA, 1990), pp. 801-13.