Rebecca - 

I think Stephen hit the nail on the head with his "it depends" answer in
terms of staffing requirements. A lot depends on what the functions of
the corporate records group will look like. If it will be responsible
for all active records, ECM/ERM system corporate-wide, document imaging,
inactive records and the desire is for a centralized type system, more
staff will be needed than for a decentralized system. A combination
system (i.e. active filing within the work areas, electronic systems
within work areas and inactive hard copy centralized or any variation of
above) may not be uncommon. In a decentralized system, records managers,
coordinators or facilitators are responsible for implementing RIM
throughout their group, that the corporate area would develop the
overall policies and standards and the various sites/ departments
implement these policies and standards. The challenge can be getting
either the right people appointed, or making sure that everyone has
motivation to accomplish the objectives (i.e. does the coordinator have
enough clout or is vocal enough to get directors and VPs to take RIM
seriously? Is it part of their job description? Can they devote any time
to the effort?)

In terms of hiring an experienced RIM professional, my personal opinion
is that is usually a good idea, especially given the size of your
organization and the highly regulated environment it operates in. One of
the advantages of hiring an experienced professional, especially if your
company adopts some sort of decentralized program, is that the
coordinators/managers/facilitators at the sites or in the departments
have someone to turn to with questions. They may not be very experienced
in RIM (if at all), but they have someone to go to that can help them
out, be prepared to explain "why" and negotiate with management on
implementation issues. It is also worth noting that having RIM report to
the area in the organization that can get things done is also important.
What area that would be depends a lot on your corporate culture.

Anyway, good luck in your efforts. Bravo for you for taking on these
responsibilities and participating in the listserv and not being afraid
to ask questions! Many started out with "surprise, you're now a records
manager!" and have had to learn as they go.

Laurie Carpenter, CRM
Records Manager
Koch Industries, Inc.
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