Assessment of the impact of information and communication technologies on records management
Abstract
A study was carried out to assess the impact of ICTs on records management, a case study at Uganda Revenue Authority Registry. The objectives of the study were; to identify the different ICTs used for managing records, to find out the challenges faced while using ICTs in the storage and access of records, to find out the different types of records management, to find out the possible solutions to the challenges affecting ICTs in records management at the URA registry.
The research used a qualitative research approach with a case study research design. Data was collected using interview and observation as data collection methods. The major findings of the study revealed that, ICTs are widely used in records management because of its efficient and effectiveness however there are numerous challenges like lack of a clear records management policy, poor infrastructure and low budget allocation to the registry to purchase and maintain ICTs
The study revealed that, ICTs plays an important role in management of records because they help in creation, storage, access and retrieval, supporting legitimacy, accountability and transparency so to enable effective and efficient functioning. The study recommended that an appropriate records management policy must be developed, providing enough budget to manage the ICTs, providing an established records management policy, infrastructure development and employing workers who are well equipped with the records management and IT knowledge.