Records management involves the storage, classification, and archiving of important documents and information related to the operations of a business or organization. There are many different types of records manager jobs, because this work is essential in many fields. Likewise, the different jobs may require a variety of specializations. Some postings ask that individuals use computer software to store and secure records, whereas others might require knowledge necessary to classify the legitimacy of physical documents. Records manager jobs may be found in the medical industry, libraries, universities, and many other fields.
In the medical field, records manager jobs often require that professionals are familiar with medical terminology. They may also need to have a general understanding of medical procedures and medical payment processes. This kind of job normally requires that professionals are able to store both physical documents and electronic documents.
Many individuals who fill records manager jobs have backgrounds in library science. In these cases, professionals may have an interest and expertise in books and artwork. Some records managers in this kind of field also have an ability to identify the legitimacy of certain works and may also be able to organize documents, books, and even artworks according to factors such as dates and subject matter of the works.
Universities often have a great need for records managers. In these contexts, records manager jobs require that professionals are required to store and organize information such as student and faculty transcripts, employment records, and materials that are required for admission or employment. These professionals also may be responsible for sending out requested information to parties who have requested certain kinds of data, such as evidence of a degree or employment. Records managers in universities are often responsible for understanding when and how certain records can be sent to parties that have requested them.
In many cases, records managers are responsible for creating and maintaining systems of organization and storage. Different contexts have different needs, so a record manager is often expected to have an understanding of a particular field. For example, records management professionals in the medical field may be required to store medical histories of patients in a logical way that allows for ease of retrieval. Likewise, he or she may be required to understand who is allowed to view or request this information.
While not all records manager jobs require computer literacy as a skill, the transition to electronic records has become common. In some instances, physical records and electronic records may be kept. Many organizations require that records managers can physically store records while also utilizing an electronic filing system that may catalog the placement, date of retrieval, and other relevant data.
