Records management research: perspectives and directions

Records management professionals facilitate the management of records that are often a primary source of data for research; but what of research in the records management profession itself? This article explores different perspectives on and considers potential future directions for research in records management, by asking a series of questions. What do we mean by research? Why should we conduct research in a vocational and professional discipline like records management? What are the benefits and who are the beneficiaries? What research has been done and, crucially, what research is required? It draws conclusions about the future direction of records management research and argues that if those in the profession—academics, practitioners and suppliers—do not shape the research agenda and rise to the challenges then others will do so, to our cost.