Maureen
A functional classification scheme as recommended by ISO 15489 *IS*
hierarchical.
At the top level, you have "Functions", then the next level describes
"Activities". Below that you can have all sorts of things, depending on the
context - disposal classes, records descriptions, transactions, records,
recordkeeping requirements, human actions, subjects, etc.
The business classification scheme *SHOULD* reflect the context of the
record, because it *SHOULD* reflect the business of the organisation.
More information on the National Archives of Australia's approach is in
their "Overview of Classification Tools for Records Management" available at
http://www.naa.gov.au/recordkeeping/control/tools.html. It complies with the
requirements of AS 15489.
John Lovejoy
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I speak for me, not them, but I may have had some input into the production
of the cited publication.
-----Original Message-----
From: Cusack, Maureen [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: Thursday, March 09, 2006 3:42 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: [RM] Nebraska ARMA Training March 22, 2006 "Demystifying
Taxonomies"
A little sanity please:
A taxonomy is a hierarchical classification scheme. The industry
standard and best practice today is functional (business) classification
schemes, not hierarchical. ISO 15489. The reason is that functions-based
approach captures the context of a record. This context clarifies why a
record exists, what it is connected to, what it supports, what it's
scope is, what its intended usage is. Context is essential to records
because records are evidence of organizational activities and decisions.
Records represent human activity and decisions. They can only represent
what actually transpired if they are allowed to capture the unique
facets that together make up the meaning or context of that record. That
context is their evidentiary value. Hierarchical schemes destroy context
because they are pre-determined artificial constructs imposed on the
reality of an organization's activities, transactions, decisions.
Out-of-the-box taxonomies are even further divorced from an
organization's reality. The context of a record equals its evidentiary
value. Context cannot be pre-determined in a scheme or anywhere else
(well, maybe with a crystal ball). The context of a record clarifies the
reason a record exists, how the activity/decision represented relates to
other activities, all the way up and across a scheme to the main
function of the organization - the reason the organization exists.
Facets of a record makes these connections. Facets, like context itself,
cannot be pre-determined. Records are evidence of organizational
activities and decisions. They are not artifacts with meaning on their
own divorced from human activity and decisions.
Records Management Website
http://teamsites/sites/Records_Management/default.aspx
Maureen Cusack | Smart Systems for Health Agency
desk phone: 416.586.4012 | cell: 416.854.4987 | fax: 416.586.4398
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415 Yonge Street, Suite 1900 | Toronto, ON M5B 2E7 | www.ssha.on.ca |
www.maureencusack.net
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