Records preserve and utilize the memories of individuals and society,
contributing to the accumulation of knowledge and social development, while
supporting organizational transparency and accountability. Effective records
management is essential to p...
Records preserve and utilize the memories of individuals and society,
contributing to the accumulation of knowledge and social development, while
supporting organizational transparency and accountability. Effective records
management is essential to protect and realize the value of records, ensuring
reliable information and preserving administrative and historical evidence.
Modern records management requires not only the function of evidence but
also systematic management systems that support the utilization of records as
knowledge assets and the preservation of social memory.
This study aims to analyze the management practices of public records
produced, preserved, and utilized by local governments and to propose
measures for their efficient improvement. U County Office, which has been
implementing records digitization since 2019, was selected as the research
subject.
A literature review was conducted to examine laws and regulations related
to records management, prior studies, and records management practices in
domestic local governments. Field visits, surveys, and interviews with staff
were carried out to investigate the organization and staffing, facilities and
equipment, and operational and preservation practices of the U County
records office. Based on the collected data, the study analyzed the status of
records preservation and storage, identified issues by comparing the office
with legal standards and exemplary records offices, and provided suggestions
for more efficient and systematic records management and storage operations
in local governments.
First, the expansion of professional records management personnel is
necessary to ensure continuity and expertise in records management. Records
management requires consistency and continuity, and unlike general
administrative work, stable assignment of dedicated professional personnel is
essential.
Second, systematic education and promotion are required to raise
employees’ awareness of records management. Online-based education,
regular consulting, and inclusion of records management courses in the
training of new public officials can enhance understanding of the value and
importance of records.
Third, the establishment and operation of an e-Records system on the
official website can improve the accessibility of records for search and
consultation, enhance administrative efficiency and transparency, and expand
public information services.
Fourth, long-term measures are needed to secure storage space in
anticipation of the continuous increase of records. The establishment of local
records management institutions reflecting the history and characteristics of
local governments, supported by national policies and funding, is required.
Fifth, continuous digitization of records should be pursued to facilitate
efficient use and long-term preservation. Digitization enhances accessibility
and minimizes the risk of damage to original records, serving as an effective
management tool.
Records are key assets that document the administrative experience and
history of local governments. Achieving scientific and systematic records
management requires not only securing professional personnel but also
establishing standardized management systems.
Through this study, it is expected that understanding of efficient and
systematic records management will be improved and that local government
records offices will be able to operate in better preservation environments.