Course Overview
Records management is a systematic control and management of an organisation’s records in order to meet operational, business needs, statutory and fiscal requirements as well as community expectations. Information Technology on the other hand is the use of systems in most cases computers and telecommunications equipment’s for purpose of storing, retrieving, and sending information. Professionals in this field may be referred to as record managers, librarians or information scientists among other titles. Record managers cum information scientists deal with overall management of an organization’s information resources. They are responsible for the effective and appropriate management of an organization’s records from their creation through to their eventual disposal. They do this by ensuring that all the information and other related resources needed by company staff are readily available. Such resources may include books and paper-based records, shared online services and computerized databases among other resources.
The Bachelor of Science in Records Management and Information Technology is a four year program designed to produce professionals who are able to manage and control organization’s records using today’s technology. The programme covers the many facets of managing records and archives in organizations. Learners are exposed to principles and techniques of managing active and inactive records and archival materials. The curriculum coursework covers important topics such as; arrangement and description of archives, building records appraisal systems, knowledge management, digitization of records, financial records, records and office management, management of museum and archaeological information, consultancy in information work, health data and welfare information services, sectoral information services and strategic planning for records and archives services among other records and information coverage.
Upon successful completion of the course, graduates will be competent to organize and manage various types of information in libraries, records and archive institutions, information centres and other information institutions and organizations in a changing environment that is fast embracing the use of information technology to manage records and information. In addition, the graduates will have the skills to start their own data and information management ventures.
Entry Requirement
For self sponsored students, at least a mean grade of C+ in KCSE. For Government sponsored students, the minimum cut point which is announced annually applies. The students should in addition have good performance in the following cluster Subjects; Subject 1, ENG/KIS, Subject 2 MAT A / MAT B or any GROUP II, Subject 3 any GROUP III, Subject 4 a GROUP II or 2nd GROUP III or any GROUP IV or any GROUP V.
Becoming a record manager cum information scientist
If you are interested in archives, records and information technology and want to start a career that can enable you professionally organize and manage they way information is being handled in respect to changing environment, then pursuing this course might be a good choice for you. In addition, you should be prepared to develop skills that can help you grow in this field.
Information scientists are good communicators who are able to clearly explain policies and procedures to customers and the public regarding the use of information, in addition good communication is essential as these professionals will communicate with all people in an organization from the CEO downwards. They must also have a high degree of integrity as they have access to confidential information and they must be trusted to keep this information private and preserve organization’s integrity.
Information scientists must be well organized to enable them retrieve files and other important information quickly and more efficiently. They must also be competent in the use of computers as they regularly use them to classify resources, create databases and perform administrative duties. Technology is ever changing; information scientists must therefore take initiative and be willing to continually update their knowledge on these changes to be effective at their jobs in the varying circumstances.
This work involves working with other people including colleagues and clients, information scientists should therefore have good interpersonal skills to enable them relate and work well with others including members of the public and the researchers. Managing huge data and information may face various challenges, information scientists must therefore have good problem solving skills and be able to identify a problem, figure out where to find information, and draw conclusions based on the information found. In addition, information scientists must also understand their organizations in order to design record systems relevant to the organization.
Work environment.
Information scientists mostly work in office environment managing and controlling information for the organization.
Career opportunities
Graduates of this course may find work in areas such as; universities, colleges, schools, archives, museums, gallery, media houses, as well as public institutions, business, government and professional libraries. Graduates may also work for other companies which support information based software programs and services. Graduates may also opt to start their own consultancy business.
You may explore these courses
Bachelor of Science in Information Sciences.
Bachelor of Library & Information Science
Bachelor of Science in Health Records & Information Mgt