Recordkeeping involves a number of activities, each of which involves technologies.

System Component

Technology, Tools & Methodology

1. Medium

Symbols, language, information elements (content), format

2. Message

Paper, ink, magnetic tape/disk, optical disks, plastic/film

3. Recording Technology & Process

Analogue, digital, writing, imprinting/typing/impressing, chemical (photography), magnetic, optical, inscribing/ incising

4. Records Organising/Control Tools (preliminary to access and retrieval)

Intellectual controls (identification, classification, indexing, file markings, arrangement, coding) and physical controls (sequencing, location, file markings)

5. Recordkeeping /Storage Tools: Supplies Equipment, Facilities

Filing components/supplies, file containers, file housings/equipment registry, current files area, local storage areas, intermediate repository/records centre, archival repository

6. Records Accessibility Tools: Supplies Equipment, Facilities & Expertise

Finding aids, netware & software, access equipment (computers, readers, viewers, players), client user interfaces (people, expert systems, search agents)
For more than 50 years, the micrographic technology pictured here was the standard as well as the preferred method of imaging to achieve record security, accessibility and preservation. In the centre of the image you see a small table or bed over which is poised a planetary camera with lighting arms on each side. This particular type of unit copies flat pages of material up to A3 in size one at a time and achieves a very high quality image. The other machines in the picture are readers or reader/printers for viewing and obtaining copies from the finished microfilm.


The main storage technologies used in recordmaking include

Major Recordkeeping Technologies
 
Media
Messages
Technology

1.

Paper based

Textual
Graphic

Writing/printing
Art processes

2.

Film based

Textual
Graphic
-line
-colour
-image

Photographic
Micrographic
Cinematographic

3.

Magnetic

Multimedia
(sound/images/text)

Magnetic patterning
-analogue
-digital

4.

Optical

Multimedia
(sound/images/text)

Optical 'burning'
-analogue
-digital

5.

Artefactual

Multi-dimensional objects

Infinite variety of forms