Hi Maria,

To your points:

*
v  What education, training, and/or special software is necessary for this
kind of job?*

 Your MLIS degree should cover you as far as formal education. With regard
to Records specific knowledge, ARMA & AIIM are both wonderful resources.
Join both and take advantage of the seminars/ trainings.

Depending on the industry that you find yourself in, become versed on the
various enterprise database software providers. In the legal industry names
like LegalKey, Documentum & Accutrak are familiar. Most firms are Microsoft
“shops” with the most relevant applications being: MS Access, MS
Sharepoint, & MS Excel. Learn SQL for reporting. Although not necessary, it
also helps to know basic database programming through Visual Basic (VBA).


v  I have a library and information science degree (MLIS) – what other kind
of education or training would I need?

Again, an MLIS is sufficient to crack into the field. Beyond that, explore
the CRM and the wealth of designations offered through AIIM. I am an
Electronic Records Management Pracitioner (ERMp). I would say that it was a
useful exercise to



v  Do you need certification before applying for a job or can you get it
after having some experience?

No but the CRM (Certified Records Manager) is the most relevant designation
to obtain for the field. Definitely gain some experience in the field
before attempting the CRM.

v  Describe a typical day including major responsibilities and the kinds of
problems you deal with?

 • Establish and develop electronic records filing standards and best
practices.
• Draft and develop a records retention schedule.

 • Manage and supervise a dedicated team of professionals in working to
provide high quality Records and Information Management support to legal
personnel.
• Work directly with the Director of Information Technology to automate
records management policies and procedures.

To name a few. It is important to continually reinforce the importance of
good RM standards to your organization. You must be convinced of your work
to convince others.


v  What do you like and what don’t you like about records management?

Records is a double-edged sword in that you have the ability to affect
great change if you do things right. The other side of that coin is that
Records does not typically sit very high on the “Org.Chart.” Learn how to
clearly communicate your objectives to senior management.

v  What are the typical entry level positions in this field?

With your educational background, you could find that you would start at a
“Specialist” level although typical entry level is at “Analyst” or “Clerk.”

v  What’s a typical career path?

A typical career path would be to start as a clerk and gain experience.
Your end goal should be to work towards a Director level position. In some
cases, Records professionals can find themselves in the executive suite
(VP, President etc.). This will vary from industry to industry.

v  What is a good way of gaining experience in this field?

Offer to take on a Records project for your current employer. Seek
volunteer opportunities through ARMA. Talk with other Records
professionals. Take an online course or webinar. Attend one of the many
conferences.

v  What is the best way to enter this field?

Many of us “fall” into Records, as has also been my personal experience.
Thankfully I quite enjoy my work and have made the most of the
opportunities that have come my way. As with any profession, the best way
to enter a field is to talk with those who you know to be Records
professionals. Network. Network. Network. The Records field offers perhaps
the best opportunities for networking of any profession around.

v  Do you have any additional advice and/or information that might be
helpful?


Hope this helps.


Best,

Alexander Campbell

Records Manager


800 Third Avenue

New York, New York 10022

+1 212 707 7276 phone

[log in to unmask]

www.cohengresser.com







On Thu, May 9, 2013 at 9:22 AM, Maria Rodrigues
<[log in to unmask]>wrote:

>  Hello everyone,
> I am new to this listserv. I joined because I am interested in Records
> Management as a new career direction. I have an MLIS degree and have been a
> public librarian for the last five years. Now I am exploring other career
> options that may be a better match for me. Your work seems interesting and
> I would like to learn more about your profession, experiences, and any
> pointers you might have on how to prepare myself for a future job in this
> field.
> I have a few questions I’d like to ask you about your work. If you can only
> answer a couple, that would be fantastic since every bit of information
> helps. Besides these basic questions, I am mostly interested in the ease or
> difficulty of transitioning from the librarian field to the records
> management field.
>
> v  What education, training, and/or special software is necessary for this
> kind of job?
>
> v  I have a library and information science degree (MLIS) – what other kind
> of education or training would I need?
>
> v  Do you need certification before applying for a job or can you get it
> after having some experience?
>
> v  Describe a typical day including major responsibilities and the kinds of
> problems you deal with?
>
> v  What do you like and what don’t you like about records management?
>
> v  What are the typical entry level positions in this field?
>
> v  What’s a typical career path?
>
> v  What is a good way of gaining experience in this field?
>
> v  What is the best way to enter this field?
>
> v  Do you have any additional advice and/or information that might be
> helpful?
>
>
>
> Thank you for your time!
>
> Kind regards,
>
> Maria Rodrigues
>
> [log in to unmask]
>
> Arlington, VA
>
> List archives at http://lists.ufl.edu/archives/recmgmt-l.html
> Contact [log in to unmask] for assistance
> To unsubscribe from this list, click the below link. If not already
> present, place UNSUBSCRIBE RECMGMT-L or UNSUB RECMGMT-L in the body of the
> message.
> mailto:[log in to unmask]
>

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