'Archives have the potential to change people's lives. They are 'a fundamental bulwark of our democracy, our culture, our community and personal identity' - National Council of Archives. Archives and Archivists in 20th Century England innovatively focuses on the multifunctional reasons behind the creations of archives - they enable the conduct of business and support accountability whilst also meeting the demands of a democratic society's expectations for transparency and the protection of rights. They are the raw material of our history and memory while archivists and records managers are the professionals responsible for ensuring that these qualities are protected and exploited for the public good. This volume will be of key interest to anyone working with archives.

'Archives have the potential to change people's lives. They are 'a fundamental bulwark of our democracy, our culture, our community and personal identity' - National Council of Archives. Archives and Archivists in 20th Century England innovatively focuses on the multifunctional reasons behind the creations of archives - they enable the conduct of business and support accountability whilst also meeting the demands of a democratic society's expectations for transparency and the protection of rights. They are the raw material of our history and memory while archivists and records managers are the professionals responsible for ensuring that these qualities are protected and exploited for the public good. This volume will be of key interest to anyone working with archives.

Many organizations do not yet have a formal programme of records management, but increasingly they are recognizing the benefits of well managed records and the serious consequences of inadequate records systems. Establishing records management and maintaining an effective programme requires specialist expertise. This essential manual of practice provides a detailed guide to the concepts, skills and techniques of records management for organizational staff who have a responsibility for setting up, maintaining or restructuring a records management programme. It offers invaluable advice on the management of records in both electronic and traditional paper media, and focuses on the following areas: understanding records management analysing the context for records management classifying records and documenting their context creating and capturing records; managing appraisal, retention and disposition maintaining records and assuring their integrity providing access implementing records management. The appendices provide a wealth of additional information including a list of standards for records management, an annotated bibliography and sources of further information, and details of professional and advisory bodies. Readership : This much needed manual is an indispensable purchase for organizations wishing to introduce better practices for managing their records. The book is intended to be of value to experienced records managers as well as LIS practitioners and newcomers to the field. It should be on the desk of every manager and every information professional with responsibility for records management.