1. Media
2. Press
3. Be pioneers in efficient public records keeping

Be pioneers in efficient public records keeping

Posted on 29 July 2015

KUCHING: The state government wants the first group of participants
of the workshop on Electronic Records Management (ERM) to be pioneers in
efficient public records keeping, said Deputy State Secretary Datu
Misnu Taha.

“This three-day workshop organised by Pustaka Negeri
Sarawak and Unit Pemodenan Perkhidmatan Negeri (UPPN) is aimed at
providing participants with understanding on the concepts and practices
involved in the implementation of ERM programmes, as well as giving them
the knowledge on best practices and pragmatic examples from Canada,
Australia, Korea, United Kingdom and United States of America and other
developed countries.

“It will also provide them with knowledge on
how to develop strategic plans for the implementation of ERM in the
aspects of institutional capacity, budget, human resource, facilities,
equipment and others,” he said at the opening of the workshop yesterday.

Misnu
informed that from the time since its opening in 2000, Pustaka Negeri
Sarawak has been responsible for various categories of records created
in the Sarawak Public Service (SPS), referred to as public records.

“Pustaka
Negeri Sarawak has a crucial role in records and archives management to
ensure the departments and the agencies under Sarawak State Government
properly manage public records before they are 25 years old as cited in
Sarawak State Library Ordinances, 1999 Section 14 (1)(d).

“It also
promotes the implementation of appropriate information management
principles and practices across Sarawak Public Service and acts as a
lead agency in regulating preservation, conservation and disposal of
public records.

“In 2011 a Records Management Working Group (RMWG)
established by Pustaka Negeri Sarawak in collaboration with Unit
Pemodenan Perkhidmatan Negeri (UPPN) undertook a detailed survey of
public records management practices in 137 government bodies, comprising
state ministries, state departments, state local authorities,
Resident’s offices, district offices and state statutory authorities.

“Based on the survey, electronic records management was singled out as a major area for improvement,” he revealed.

Misnu noted the use of information and communications technology is transforming the way an organisation works.

“Computers
generate large volumes of electronic records. However, governments are
increasingly choosing to not only create records electronically, but
also to store, retrieve and use them in computerised form for long
periods of time.

“The management of electronic records presents
new and complex challenges to the record keeper, and this is already
beginning to revolutionise the way records professionals approach their
work.

“ERM thus requires acculturation of knowledge and skills.
Records managers and IT professionals employed by the Sarawak State
Public Services need to sustain their competencies in order to remain
knowledgeable and skilful.

“Sustaining the competencies of records
managers and IT professionals can be achieved through training
programmes to provide career development and at the same time to fulfil
the requirements of the state government and professional standards,” he
said.

The workshop is attended by 33 participants from various departments and private agencies in Sarawak.

Facilitated
by Associate Professor Dr Eun G Park from Mcgill University, Canada,
the workshop has been designed to be practical with lectures, examples
and exercises, and encourage participation and exchange in information.
The workshop will provide not only essential knowledge but also a great
opportunity to share experiences in managing electronic records.

Pustaka Negeri Sarawak chief executive officer Rashidah Bolhassan was present.