New Skills Required for the Modern Records Manager

The role of the records manager has evolved dramatically. Today’s records and information management professionals must master technology, change management, governance, and communication to remain relevant in a digital-first world.

The Changing Landscape of Records and Information Management

Records Management no longer exists in isolation. It increasingly overlaps with Information Management, Enterprise Content Management (ECM), Knowledge Management, Document Management, Library Science, and Archival Science. These disciplines share common goals, tools, and challenges.

Information Management can broadly be defined as the collection, organisation, retrieval, maintenance, and distribution of information across its lifecycle. Records Management, as defined by ISO 15489, focuses on the systematic control of records as evidence of business activities and transactions.

Defining the Modern Records Manager

A modern Records Manager is responsible for far more than filing or storage. Responsibilities include:

• Planning organisational information requirements
• Identifying and capturing records that provide evidence of business activity
• Developing and enforcing policies, standards, and procedures
• Managing access, privacy, confidentiality, and compliance
• Executing legally compliant retention and disposition schedules
• Managing both physical and digital records across multiple systems

Records may exist in paper, electronic, email, social media, mobile, and cloud-based formats. The modern records manager must ensure consistency, authenticity, integrity, and usability across all of them.

Common Threads Across Information Disciplines

Despite differing terminology, records, documents, archives, and content all share common characteristics:

• Information must be managed across its entire lifecycle – from creation to disposition
• Classification and indexing are fundamental to retrieval and reuse
• Information quality depends on accuracy, completeness, and version control
• Users, creators, and custodians have distinct roles and responsibilities

The value of information is only as strong as its weakest link. An incorrect version, incomplete record, or damaged file can undermine legal validity, operational efficiency, and organisational knowledge.

Critical Success Factors for Records Management Programmes

Successful records and information management programmes rely on more than technology. Key success factors include:

• Executive and management buy-in
• Clear understanding of information value and risk
• Adequate budget and resources
• Effective change management
• User awareness, training, and accountability
• Integration with business processes and systems

Records management initiatives should be planned and executed using sound project management principles, ensuring alignment with organisational objectives.

New Skills Required for the Modern Records Manager

To remain relevant and effective, today’s records and information management professionals must develop a broader skill set:

• Change management skills – guiding users through new processes and technologies
• Communication skills – engaging effectively at all organisational levels
• Marketing and advocacy – demonstrating the value of records management
• Project management – planning, implementing, and sustaining programmes
• High computer literacy – understanding digital platforms, systems, and data
• Negotiation and political awareness – balancing compliance, risk, and business needs

The modern records manager must move beyond the traditional “back-room” role and become a visible, strategic contributor to the organisation.

Career Opportunities in a Digital Future

Digital records will continue to grow in volume and complexity. New technologies, platforms, and media formats will constantly introduce new challenges. While paper records remain relevant, the transition from paper to digital will accelerate.

This evolving environment presents significant opportunities for records and information management professionals who are willing to adapt, specialise, and broaden their expertise. The profession is more dynamic, visible, and valuable than ever before.

Conclusion

The changing information landscape is not a threat—it is an opportunity. Records and Information Management professionals who embrace new skills, technologies, and responsibilities will play a critical role in governance, compliance, and organisational success.

The future belongs to records managers who are proactive, adaptable, and strategically aligned with the business.