Distinctions between RM and IM (and other Mms) are largely a factor of scope of responsibility. If your field of focus is the file room or declaring (classifying) electronic records into an ERKS, then RM is a label that may resonate. If your field of focus is ensuring good governance, defensible and accountable practice, and effective decision making supported by authentic and reliable information resources, then IM may resonate, or KM--which has been usurped by technology vendors in my opinion. There is, IMHO, a domain specific body of knowledge to be learned and mastered in the RM world but the value comes in applying that knowledge within an organizational context. That takes knowledge beyond the domain specific expertise - the CRM examination aims to point RM professionals in this direction. But, as with any certification, it is not the ultimate goal, but a minimum bar and applies only so far as it goes - there are many who posses the knowledge and expertise who do not choose that certification route. My preferred lexicon, introduced some time back, includes "recorded information management" and "knowledge resource development" to recognize the necessary convergence among people, information, and systems (computer and otherwise). Within IM domains (archives, libraries, records, IT) it is fashionable (for some) to debate which domains fits within another (e.g. is archives part of RM? or vice versa? or as the SAA cntends, a separately delineated but complementary discipline?). In my view, this is less an isse than ensuring that the appropriate domain knowledge and expertise can be applied within the appropriate scope of responsibility, within a greater, informed context. So, to me, the idea that RM is not IM misses the point of RM, and the notion that IM is not RM misses (critically the fact that without RM, IM is not wholly managed at best, and suspect at worst. Separately, we in Asia are not back on the grid thanks to repairs to undersea cables. Thanks to those who may use of our alternate communication means - and for any awaiting responses to messages sent before the Taiwan earthquake...I'm catching up...thx for your patience! Cheers, John John James O'Brien, CRM, MALT IRM Strategies htp://www.irmstrategies.com List archives at http://lists.ufl.edu/archives/recmgmt-l.html Contact [log in to unmask] for assistance