Managing electronic records and adopting cloud applications top of
list of concerns in advance of July 31 directive
BOSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jul. 23, 2012--
Despite overwhelming confidence in their current records programs, 85
percent of those charged with storing and managing information for
government agencies favor President Obama’s Memorandum
for Managing Government Records, which aims to cut costs and aid
public access to records. Not only do records managers embrace the
reform, 83 percent believe it will succeed, according to a survey
conducted by information management company Iron
Mountain Incorporated (NYSE: IRM). The survey was done in
anticipation of a Federal Directive expected July 31 from the White
House and the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA).
Chief among the survey
findings, respondents reported less confidence in their ability to
manage digital data and use newer technologies like cloud storage—two of
the central areas marked for improvement in the Memorandum.
The survey sought to understand records managers’ attitudes toward the
Memorandum and the overall health of their current programs, as well as
to identify their concerns for the pending directive. The key findings
include:
-
All in favor – 85 percent said they personally supported the
President’s Memorandum and 93 percent said their agencies have
prioritized improving records management processes;
-
High grades for current programs – Respondents overwhelmingly
gave themselves high grades for their current records management
practices, including 100 percent indicating they were “strong” when it
came to protecting records and 97 percent saying they were “strong”
when it came to complying with the Federal Records Act;
-
Lack of confidence in managing electronic content – On the
contrary, only 9 percent said they were “very strong” when it came to
using cloud-based applications, and only 51 percent are comfortable in
their ability to store and manage electronic data;
-
Value in collaboration – Federal records management teams that
partnered with other departments like IT, Legal and COOP had higher
confidence in the effectiveness of their records management practices
than those who didn’t partner;
-
Roadblocks to success – The success of the Directive may rest
on federal records managers’ developing new skills as 71 percent cited
a need for training as their top concern. Sixty-eight and 61 percent
named staff and budget resources, respectively, as additional worries.
“The results support what we’ve been hearing from federal records
managers. They have embraced the Presidential Memorandum and rightly see
it as an opportunity to further improve their programs,” said
Sue
Trombley
, managing director of consulting, Iron Mountain. “While the
requirements and mandates outlined in the Memorandum are significant, it
has become clear that broader, cultural changes will need to take place
before government organizations are fully prepared to comply with the
forthcoming Federal Directive. The Directive encourages federal agencies
to take the necessary steps to make those changes, including developing
a strategic plan, collaborating with key stakeholders, embracing new
technology, committing to training and education, and aligning with
industry partners, all helping to shape the future of records
management.”
KRC Research conducted the study, surveying 100 federal workers who are
involved with records management at their agencies. Interviews were
conducted by phone between June 4-14, 2012.
For tips on effective records storage and management practices, check
out “Empowering
Employees for Efficient Government Records Management” on Iron
Mountain’s “Information Advantage” blog.
About Iron Mountain
Iron Mountain Incorporated (NYSE: IRM) provides information storage and
management services that help organizations lower the costs, risks and
inefficiencies of managing their physical and digital data. The
Company’s solutions enable customers to protect and better use their
information so they can optimize their business and ensure proper
recovery, compliance and discovery. Founded in 1951, Iron Mountain
manages billions of information assets, including business records,
electronic files, medical data, emails and more for organizations around
the world. Visit www.ironmountain.com
or follow the company on Twitter @IronMountain
for more information.
Source: Iron Mountain Incorporated
Iron Mountain
Laura Sudnik, (617) 256-3826
laura.sudnik@ironmountain.com
or
Weber
Shandwick
Brad Baker, (617) 520-7043
bbaker@webershandwick.com