Professional development needs of New Zealand's records managers

Abstract

This research investigates the professional development needs of records managers and workers in New Zealand, where professional development includes continuing education and initial qualifications. It reviews what is available in both these areas, what level of qualification is held by records managers, what sorts of professional development they think they need, what barriers they face, and what qualifications are available in New Zealand and Australia. A questionnaire was used to survey records managers, and interviews were conducted with senior professionals in the industry; qualifications and continuing education were reviewed. The conclusion was that current offerings are satisfying demand, but only just. More importantly, demand needs to increase in order for records managers to keep pace with changes in all areas of their profession and maintain their importance as one of the information professions.