Archive and Library Theory and Management

LEARNING OUTCOMES The course aims at developing the cognitive and methodological tools needed to deal with records management. Knowledge and understanding The course provides the core knowledge on creation and management of active and semi-active records. In particular, the course provides the basic knowledge needed for designing and maintaining a records management system, focusing on the following topics: • registration • classification • filing • management of records flow • appraisal and selection • methodological and operational tools for records management. These topics are investigated and illustrated not only in light of the principles and methods developed by the scientific and professional community, but also considering the relevant laws and standards, so as to develop the ability to understand the documentary phenomenon being aware of the relationships among the documentary objects, the history and activity of the producer, and the legislative and regulatory framework. Applying knowledge and understanding The course provides the ability to apply the knowledge needed to manage active and semi-active records. In particular, the detailed analysis of the relevant laws and standards is aimed at promoting the capacity for operational intervention in a real, practical context. Based on the knowledge learned during the course, students will be able to: • analyze the functional profile of a records system • evaluate the consistency of a records system with the legislative and regulatory framework • actively participate in records management activities • understand any future evolution of the regulatory framework and the records management model developed by the Italian legislator. Making judgments The course allows students to develop their own independent judgment in relation to records management thanks to the direct comparison with the instructor and possibly with experts in the records management area. The critical reading, analysis and discussion of diverse sources – including scientific literature, legislation and international standards – is aimed at encouraging students to deal with complexity and promoting the formation of autonomous judgments even if – and especially when – the evaluation elements are varied and inconsistent. Based on the knowledge learned during the course, students will be able to: • identify the critical issues of a records management system and/or strategy • formulate their own assessment on specific aspects of a records management system and/or strategy • compare real cases with the national and international theoretical models. Communication skills The development of communication skills is stimulated through classroom discussion and possibly through participation in seminars, in order to stimulate students’ ability to communicate effectively and deal with the dialectical confrontation with confidence. Learning skills The course promotes the development of self-learning skills by drawing on various documentary sources (manuals, national legislation, technical standards, guidelines, formal models, etc.), both in Italian and in English, hence stimulating the students' capacity to adapt to diverse cultural contexts. The study of the fundamental concepts related to records management and the attention to the methodological aspect allow the student to face with confidence a subsequent study of the subject in post-master courses.