On January 4th, Maureen Cusack said:
>This is good that there is discussion about this issue in this forum.  I
>feel it is in keeping with ARMA and SLA imperatives about the professional
>ethics of supporting and fighting for the IM industry to remind IM
>professionals that they owe it to the profession (and themselves) to NOT
>take low-paying jobs and to voice objection at employers who continue to
>try to get away with undercompensating. This is one way to (try to) bring
>about change in perception of the value of records managers.

A little late replying to this but I agree with Maureen's comments.  You get
what you pay for.  I have commented to a few HR offices off-line questioning
the salary offered compared to the requirements listed in the announcement.


At the same time, I've spent much of my career government and understand the
conundrum that Greg and others at the state and local level face.  I think
part of the problem is that records management tends takes a back seat to
other government functions.  Those that are considered important get $$$;
those that don't usually get leftovers.  In addition, some HR offices I've
come across do not have a appreciation of what skills are necessary for
records managers.  Unfortunately, we as a profession haven't done a very
good job of educating these folks.   

What I think is sorely lacking (especially in the private sector) is a
salary survey that records managers and employers could use as a basis for
establishing a reasonable salary structure.  This can be a challenge, given
the differences in cost of living around the country and roles that each of
us have.  At the same time, I believe a baseline/range could be established
and then adjusted appropriately.  Other professions do this - why can't we.

Ray Cunningham recently completed an on-line survey (can't remember whether
he has posted the results) which could be a start.  Ultimately, ARMA should
consider taking on this task.  Our friends in Lenexa are supposed to be
promoting our profession.  I see this as a project that would benefit the
profession and all of us in general.  

Some thoughts while viewing another beautiful sunset...   

Bruce L. White, MBA, CRM, PMP


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