All,

I'm a long time lurker and need some input.  I'm the records manager and
archivist at a wildlife research facility, part of the USDA, Animal Plant
Health Inspection Service, Wildlife Services.   I'm responsible for records
management and archives at our headquarters location in Fort Collins, CO
and for our 9 field stations.  We're a smaller government agency, around
200 people total, about 120-130 are at headquarters.  I've been here 5
years and have a small staff of a 30 hour a week assistant and 2 student
employees.

For our Records and Information Management Week April 18-22, I'm giving a
presentation on electronic records management.   Several months ago the
management approved an e-mail policy, which follows the NARA line of "if
it's a record, print it out and file it."  We'll get an electronic records
management system whenever it filters down from on high of the USDA.  I'm
using our recent policy guidelines as a reason to talk formally about all
electronic records.  I've done smaller presentations/training types of
things for secretaries and those who deal directly with our agency
retention schedule.

I'd like some input on what I really need to cover in a presentation that
will be about 20 minutes, plus questions.  I have no idea who will attend.
I'm guessing some of the secretary types in administration, who I already
work with on records management, will come.  There may be a wildlife or
chemistry researcher or two, who will be lured by the fact that I'm
providing snacks.  So it will be a mixed crowd of those who have some rm
experience and those who don't.  I plan to spend a  short period of time on
the basics of rm and how that relates to electronic records.  I'll talk
about our e-mail policy and provide examples of what things would be
considered a record.  I may do a few of my favorite records management
cartoons, just for fun.

What types of things, in 20 min., should I absolutely make sure I cover?
What have you found effective to stress the basics of electronic records
management?  I have a good idea of what I want to do, however, thought I'd
pick the brains of the list.  Any thoughts or ideas will be greatly
appreciated!

Many thanks,
Nancy Freeman, Records Manager/Archivist
National Wildlife Research Center
4101 LaPorte Ave.
Fort Collins,  CO  80521
(970) 266-6023
[log in to unmask]

List archives at http://lists.ufl.edu/archives/recmgmt-l.html
Contact [log in to unmask] for assistance