Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC): Who are we?

1. Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC): Who are we? The HSRC is mandated to undertake, promote and co-ordinate policy-relevant, evidence-based research in the human and social sciences. The public-purpose mandate is derived from the HSRC Act 17 of 2008. Vision The HSRC intends to be a knowledge hub where public policy and discourse on current and future challenges for South Africa and the African continent are independently researched, analysed and informed, and where research-based solutions to human and social problems are developed.

2. The role of Information Services unit within the HSRC • To capture and document research output authored by HSRC employees and co-partners. The electronic document management system used is called Knowledge Tree. • Research projects are based on the following programmes: • Education and Skills Development; • Population, Health, Health Systems and innovation; • Economic Performance and Development; • Democracy, Governance and service Delivery; • Human and Social development; and • HIV/AIDS, STIs and TB.

3. Managing records for accountability, good governance and protection of human rights: Citizen rights in the digital age. 05 September 2010

4. What is records management? • The dictionary of archival terminology defines records management as that area of general administrative management concerned with achieving economy and efficiency in the creation, maintenance, use and disposal of records during their entire life cycle (Bradsher 1991:36).

5. ISO 15489 and Australian Standards • The ISO 15489 and Australian Standards of records management define records management as the discipline and organizational function of managing records throughout the life cycle, to meet operational business needs, accountability requirements and community expectations.

6. Records continuum model and e-records • Identification of what constitutes a record (Recordness and value) – Imperative to comply with professional ethics • Intellectual control; • Provision of access; • Physical control/conservation and preservation (States Archives Dept., Minnesota Historical Society 2004).

7. Why records management is important? • Records are the institutional and government’s corporate memory - the evidence of its activities; • They confirm rights and entitlements of citizens; • Without records and good systems to manage them, government cannot be held accountable for poor service delivery; • Legislation, policies, standards and procedures compel governments to respect these rights.

8. Africa-FocusChallenges in the ESARBICA region

9. Challenges of managing e-records in the ESARBICA region. • Weak legislation, policies, procedures and standards to guide the management of records; • Technological obsolescence; • Lack of skills and competencies; • Senior officials often unaware of the requirement to manage e-records; • Inadequate budgets, ICT and human resources; • Studies conducted in some ESARBICA countries have indicated that access to archives was still limited to few researchers (Ngulube 2006)

10. Critical success factors • To improve legislative and policy framework. It must take cognizance of cultural, environmental, social and economic factors; • Enhancing partnerships and collaboration at both regional and international levels; • Strengthening of local institutions in the areas of e-records management;

11. Critical success factors continued • Continuing education, training and retraining of Records and Archival Management Professionals. Training to address mainly ICTs policies • Funding and availability of resources are key to implementing effective and efficient records and archival services

12. Critical success factors continued • Sensitization and awareness creation workshops for key stakeholders, including citizens; • Good Customer Care; • Good record management practices and recognition of the right of access to records is a central pillar to democracy in sub-Saharan regions.

13. Citizens rights in the digital age

14. Conclusion • http://www.dac.gov.za/publications/reports/2010/Final%20Report%2015%20March2010.pdf • Thank You for Your Attention • NZimu@hsrc.ac.za