<is it the goal of standards to change practice or is it simply to define what in my youth was called best business practice>

I think the goal of standards is to establish a benchmark for consistency in practice and in technology.  For example, early microfilm cameras required the use of the same brand of film - i.e. you had to use Kodak film in a Kodak camera, Bell & Howell film in a Bell & Howell camera, and so on.  With the development of a standard for camera supply flanges and film supply spool key holes, it was possible to use any brand film (that met the standard) in any brand camera (that met the standard).  In addition, a published national or international standard that is developed by a cross-section of users and vendors, and is proven to work (based on the developers experience), is a powerful tool when trying to get management to fund and support the establishment of a best practice or policy or procedure.  It is the "proof" (if you will) of the success of the recommended policy or practice or procedure, and its application in many other organizations (consistency again).

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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