Records and Information Management Month

Tags:: Educational Work
Where:: International
Date change rule:: Every April
Holiday emoji:: 🗄️

Records and Information Management Month champions effective data governance throughout April each year. This observance highlights the critical importance of organized records, from creation to secure destruction or permanent archiving. Explore best practices, embrace new technologies, and secure your essential information assets.

Deals
Platforms
Social
Hero
History
Timeline
FAQs
Importance
Observe
Related

Expected Records and Information Management Month Deals

Throughout April, professionals in records and information management can anticipate a range of deals and educational opportunities. Software providers like OpenText and Iron Mountain typically offer discounts on their document management systems and cloud storage solutions. Training organizations such as ARMA International may provide reduced rates on certification courses and webinars focusing on data privacy, compliance, and digital transformation. Office supply retailers like Staples and Office Depot often feature promotions on archival supplies, shredders, and secure storage solutions. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as April approaches.

Platform Guide for Records and Information Management Month

Tag National Today (linkedin.com/company/nationaltoday) and use #RIMMonth. Share insights on data governance, compliance, and digital archiving strategies.

X/Twitter

Mention @NatlToday and use #RIMMonth. Discuss industry trends, share articles, and connect with other information professionals.

Facebook

Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #RIMMonth. Post about the importance of secure record-keeping for businesses and individuals.

Records and Information Management Month Hero

Emmett Leahy

Often considered the 'Father of Records Management,' Emmett Leahy (1910-1964) was a pioneer in the field of information governance. During World War II, he led efforts to streamline record-keeping for the U.S. Navy, demonstrating the immense value of efficient information systems. His work laid the groundwork for modern records management practices, emphasizing systematic control over the lifecycle of documents from creation to disposition.

History of Records and Information Management Month

Every April, Records and Information Management Month (RIMM) is observed around the world to highlight the importance of records management in enterprises. The goal is to emphasize the significance and relevance of organizing and maintaining records and data to manage information efficiently and effectively.

Through the actions of members of ARMA (the Association of Records Managers and Administrators), RIMM was first recognized in 1995 as National Records and Information Management Day. The goal was to draw attention to the importance of renewing the US Paperwork Reduction Act. ARMA International organized a luncheon in Washington, D.C. as part of the celebrations, with members of Congress and the executive branch in attendance. The observance grew in scope over time, spanning a week in 1997 and a month in 2003, and now reaches beyond US borders to many other countries. Records and Information Management Month is essentially a deep cleaning for all of your records! Considering records are so vital, keeping them organized and safe should always be a top concern, and this month is the ideal time to get started.

Create a system that allows you to quickly locate the documents and records you require. Determine how long you’ll need to keep records, and create a process for getting rid of the ones you don’t need. Always remember how important it is to keep track of your documents and information. It is critical to the success of your organization (whatever it may be). Begin this month and continue each month after that! Getting organized will not only benefit your business, but it will also feel wonderful.

Records and Information Management Month timeline

1912

The Bureau of Efficiency is Established

The U.S. Bureau of Efficiency is established to improve record management in government offices.

1995

First Celebration of RIMM

RIMM is celebrated for the first time as National Records and Information Management Day.

1997

RIMM Becomes Longer

The observance is expanded to last for a week.

2002

And Even Longer

The observance is expanded even further to last for a month.

Records and Information Management Month FAQs

When is Records and Information Management Month?

In 2027, Records and Information Management Month will again take place throughout April. It’s a key time for organizations to evaluate their information lifecycle management strategies and ensure compliance.

How many records are created daily?

The sheer volume of data generated continues to surge, with some reports indicating that the global datasphere will reach over 180 zettabytes by 2025. This massive influx of information makes robust RIM practices more essential than ever for businesses and governments.

What is the average lifespan of a digital record?

Unlike physical records, digital records face challenges like file format obsolescence and media degradation, meaning their effective lifespan can be surprisingly short without active migration and preservation strategies. Many organizations struggle with ensuring long-term access to their digital assets.

What is the difference between records management and information governance?

While records management is a component of information governance, the latter provides an overarching framework for managing information across its entire lifecycle, regardless of format or location. Information governance integrates legal, regulatory, and business requirements to establish policies and procedures for all data.

How to Observe Records and Information Management Month

Reward your staff
Rewarding personnel who are responsible for maintaining and reviewing your organization's records management program is a terrific way to participate in Records and Information Management Month.
Train your staff
Proper training goes a long way when it comes to records management. Train your workers to properly handle the records to ensure that they are accurate.
Review and update your security
Put proper security measures in place to protect your records. Perform regular reviews of your security system to identify weaknesses and eliminate them.

5 Facts About Records Keeping That Will Blow Your Mind

Smart money
Going paperless means not just saving money on paper, but also on the maintenance and supplies of the printers that churn out the pages.
Gone missing
It takes an average of 18 minutes for a person to locate a document.
Clone time
The majority of documents are copied 19 times on average.
Much paper
In the United States alone, there are about four trillion paper documents, rising at a rate of 22% every year.
That’s a lot of paper
Every year, the average employee uses 10,000 sheets of paper.

Why Records and Information Management Month is Important

Proof of transactions
Records are a crucial tool for fact-checking exercises. They provide evidence for all transactions made by an organization.
Transparency and accountability
Accurately keeping records helps to verify the facts in any situation. Records offer transparency and accountability for all parties involved.
Resources for future needs
Records are a great way to keep resources intact for future use. Useful information can be recorded and called upon when required.