Out of the box

Abstract

In this series of articles for Business Information Review, I have discussed the dramatic impact of technology and digitization on the world of information. At times, these articles have addressed the need for new skills and competencies from the Information Scientist; they have also introduced the impact of big data in science and society.

In this article, I use my recent experience in academic research to explain how the essential disciplines of good records management (RM) are a necessary foundation for big data research. Like the quality movement of the 1990s, embedding good RM in big data research will avoid costly rework, illuminating erroneous conclusions and advancing research. There is more that the Information Scientist can bring to big data – managing the unpublishing process and guiding the integration of documents via structured data. Areas in which Information Scientists have the necessary background, discipline and experience.