Larry Medina wrote:
> ... the following "opinions" you've expressed
are simply one man's view of an ideal world for Records and Information
management in North America... and while they may play well with
audiences
"North of the Border", I don't think you'll find many in the Records and

Information Management Profession in the US embracing your views.
 Larry<

>
> The reality of the situation is that the divide between archives and
> records management in North America is an artificial construct...


 It seems to
> me that in the 21st century the notion of separate records professions
> is an anachronism highly detrimental to all records professionals.


I personally look forward to the inevitable amalgamation or synthesis of
> the two records professions in North America ("records management" and
> "archival science/administration"),


 The sooner North
> American records mangers, and archivists, clue into this fact, the
> better off we'll all be.



The fact that the majority of the RIM profession in the U.S. wouldn't
"embrace" the views expressed is precisely the point.  The divide
between RM and Archives is pervasive, entrenched, and perpetuated by
long-standing stereotypes.  All difficult things to overcome.  However,
just because the majority don't "embrace", or are unaware of the issues
and facts surrounding, a particular concept, doesn't mean that it lacks
validity.  After all, I do recall reading somewhere that the majority
didn't exactly flock to the notion of the earth being round when the
idea was originally being kicked about (not to suggest that I ascribe
that level of profundity to this relatively minor issue).

And regarding the appropriateness and inevitability of a unified North
Am records management and archives function/profession, I would advise,
respectfully, that the views expressed in my original post are based
more on an analysis of the nature and character of recorded information,
as well as on the evolution of the North American RM and archival
professions, than on "... one man's view of an ideal world for records
and information management in North America".


Dan Zelenyj
Coordinator, Archival Services
City of Vaughan
tel: (905) 832-2281 ext 3129
fax: (905) 303-2538
e-mail: [log in to unmask]
www.vaughan.ca



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