Back in the dawn of RIM time (oh no! another back in the days story!)
all incoming mail (other than personal or junk) was logged into a
register (called a Registry system) before being distributed.  Often
each incoming document was coded with a file code or registry code.
This way a record of the receipt of a document existed, and (supposedly)
it made it more difficult to lose (or hide the existence of) documents
within the organization. It also made it easier to file in the
appropriate repository.  This system is still used outside the U.S. in
some form or another.  The registry system was (and is) considered a
records management responsibility, thus the mail room functions were
assigned to RIM.  This activity was expanded upon with the advent of
active microfilm systems such as CAR.  Documents were captured at the
mailroom before being distributed.  This same reasoning was applied to
electronic imaging in some organizations.  Because it is still a viable
RIM function outside the U.S. (and the imaging activities are used in
the U.S.), mailroom functionality is often assigned to RIM and the ICRM
exams recognize this.  I believe it should still be taught in RIM
classes for several reasons - 1)it is still considered a RIM
responsibility in other countries and in some U.S. corporations, 2) it
never hurts to know the history of why we do things (helps eliminate "we
always did it that way" excuses) and 3) it is still a part of the
certification exams.

Ginny Jones
(Virginia A. Jones, CRM, FAI)
Records Manager
Information Technology Division
Newport News Dept. of Public Utilities
Newport News, VA
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