In order for information to be useful it must be available at the point of need. In discussing records and information management (RIM), Saffady covers how to collect data, determine retention policies, and manage nondigital and digital documents, all while maintaining effective privacy and security protocols. Saffady approaches each of these topics practically, rather than theoretically, with a primary goal of helping RIM professionals perform their duties. Throughout he provides best practices, and he shares commonly accepted standards of information management when applicable. The lengthy section on legally mandated record keeping requirements will be particularly helpful to new professionals and RIM students. Aids include summaries of major points in every chapter and endnotes for additional reading; persistent identifiers provide easy access for readers of the text’s digital format. Tables, images, and sidebars help to break up the text. From the classroom perspective, the book would benefit from basic teaching tools—e.g., end-of-chapter assignments, discussion questions, ancillaries (test bank, presentation slides, etc.). This fourth edition of Records and Information Management (first edition, 2004) has been updated and expanded to include a global perspective. Recommended. Graduate students, researchers, faculty, professionals.

Choice Reviews

Bringing together his knowledge of regulatory environments, operational requirements, information technologies, and his practical experience of records work, William Saffady has written a thorough, clear and pragmatic book that will be a valuable guide to practitioners and students of records and information management.

James Lowry, assistant professor, Queens College, City University of New York

Records and Information Management: Fundamentals of Professional Practice, Fourth Edition by William Saffady is just what I need for teaching my records management course. The updated version addresses many of the contemporary issues in our field in a professional and thorough manner. Moving forward this will be a required text.

Stephen Dalina, director, Rutgers University Records Management

This is my go-to book recommendation for university students and new professionals in the field of Records and Information Management. The text is written from a practical standpoint, based in sound theory, and provides the reader with a wealth of useful information. Saffady's book should be on the shelf of every records manager.

Emilie Gagnet Leumas, PhD, CA, CRM, EGL Consultants, LLC and adjunct instructor, Louisiana State University

With this new edition, Records and Information Management continues to be a leading resource on record and information management practices. Because it reviews the salient components of records management programs, this text will be of great benefit to students and seasoned professionals looking for guidance or a refresher to assist them in their careers.

Donald C. Force, associate professor, School of Information Studies, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee