Local Records Management have become a viable alternative for companies, hospitals and entrepreneurs in being able to maintain personal and confidential records and conserve space at the same time. The build-up of files and paperwork has become a nuisance and with the use of Local Records Management creates a reliable back-up system. Local Records Management companies provide such services as microfilming records, photocopying records, storage of confidential and outdated records and the safe transportation of various records. Local Records Management companies may also provide safe destruction of those records if the companies want them permanently destroyed. The records manager has more responsibility than a file clerk and archivist this person in charge of maintaining an efficient system that can include alphabetizing, color-coding, numerically or geographically categorizing records. When choosing Local Records Management finding the right organization is essential because you dont want certain information being made public that can become embarrassing to a particular person or persons and may become liable. A good Local Records Management company must have certification to meet government guidelines such as being a member of the ICRM (Institute of Certified Records Management). In the mid seventies, two organizations merged ARM (American Records Management) and AREA (American Records Executives Association) thus creating the Association of Records Managers and Administrators (ARMA). This organization is the main organization a person goes through to become a certified records manager. A college degree in Library Science, Archivist or Records Management is now offered and has become a specialized field. Companies must renew their certification every five years in order to keep their operating licenses valid as a certified Records Management facility.
