Leading and Managing Archives and Records Programs

Book excerpt: One of the profession's most influential thinkers has gathered thirteen prominent leaders from the USA and UK with proven track records in archives and records management to contribute to this important book. Each of them reveals the secrets of their success and outlines what it takes to build and manage a dynamic, high-achieving archives and records program.Representing government, commercial, and non-profit organizations, they include the former Archivist of the Smithsonian Institution, the Archivist of the Coca-Cola Company, and the Head of the Cataloguing and Accessioning Unit of The National Archives, UK. In candid, fascinating accounts of their leadership style and its impact in shaping and directing a program, they cover the following key areas:- challenges and opportunities in leading archives and records management- records management standards: what they are and why they're important- leading a successful records management program- competing for relevance: archives in a multi-program organization- the archivist and the corporation- managing change: a continuing issue- preserving born-digital records from central government departments- building a university archive- the state archives: education and politics in New York.Read this book to see expert management strategies at work and to understand the 'why' and 'how' of excellent programs. You will come away with better solutions for management, including: devising effective mission policies and statements; gauging and responding to the market for services; dealing with institutional change; overcoming budgeting and human resources challenges, and much more.Giving the lie to the adage that 'leaders are born, not made', this collection offers practical wisdom and useful advice that will help you take your leadership skills to the next level.