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How to Become a Records Manager: Australian Careers in Librarian

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How to Become a Records Manager: Australian Careers in Librarian
How to Become a Records Manager: Australian Careers in Librarian

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On this page

What is a Records Manager?

What will I do?

What skills do I need?

Resources

What is a Records Manager?

The role of a Records Manager is both dynamic and essential in today’s information-driven world. These professionals are responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining effective record-keeping systems that ensure the efficient access, movement, updating, storage, retention, and disposal of organisational records. By managing these systems, Records Managers play a crucial role in safeguarding vital information, which is fundamental for operational success and compliance with legal requirements.

Records Managers engage in a variety of responsibilities that highlight their importance within an organisation. They analyse the record-keeping needs of their organisation and translate these needs into effective record management systems. This involves maintaining both computerized and traditional record management systems, ensuring that all records are easily accessible while also controlling access to confidential information. Their expertise in developing cataloguing, coding, and classification systems ensures that records are organised in a way that facilitates efficient retrieval and compliance with relevant regulations.

In their day-to-day tasks, Records Managers may find themselves preparing record-keeping systems, creating indexes and guides for archival research, and advising on the best practices for record usage. They also play a pivotal role in evaluating and preserving records for various purposes, including administrative, historical, and legal needs. This multifaceted position not only requires a keen eye for detail but also a strong understanding of information management principles, making it a rewarding career for those who enjoy working with data and systems.

With the increasing importance of data management in all sectors, the demand for skilled Records Managers continues to grow. This career offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the integrity and efficiency of an organisation’s information systems while also providing a pathway for professional development and advancement. For individuals who are detail-oriented and passionate about information management, a career as a Records Manager can be both fulfilling and impactful.

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Career snapshots For Records Managers

The role of a Records Manager is essential in ensuring the effective management of an organisation’s records and information systems. This career is characterised by a strong emphasis on organisation, compliance, and the ability to adapt to evolving technologies in record-keeping.

  • Average Age: 47 years
  • Gender Distribution: 70% female
  • Average Hours Worked: 39 hours per week
  • Average Salary: AU$63,007 per year
  • Unemployment Rate: N/A
  • Current Employment: Approximately 2,100 people employed as Records Managers
  • Projected Growth: Annual employment growth is expected to be steady, with ongoing demand for skilled professionals in this field.

Records Managers play a vital role in various sectors, including public administration, healthcare, and professional services. Their responsibilities include managing central records systems, ensuring compliance with legal standards, and developing efficient record-keeping practices. As organisations increasingly recognise the importance of effective information management, the demand for Records Managers is likely to continue growing.

Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), Labour Force Survey, 2023.

What will I do?

Records Managers play a crucial role in ensuring that an organisation’s records are systematically maintained, accessible, and secure. They design and implement record-keeping systems that facilitate the efficient storage, retrieval, and disposal of documents, while also ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory requirements. This position requires a keen eye for detail and a strong understanding of information management principles, making it essential for the smooth operation of any organisation.

  • Manage organisations’ central records systems – Oversee the storage, retrieval, and maintenance of records to ensure they are easily accessible and secure.
  • Analyse record-keeping needs – Assess the specific requirements of the organisation and develop tailored record management systems to meet those needs.
  • Maintain record management systems – Ensure that both computerised and manual record systems are up-to-date and functioning effectively.
  • Control access to confidential information – Implement procedures and codes of practice to safeguard sensitive records and manage who can access them.
  • Develop cataloguing and classification systems – Create and monitor systems for organising records to facilitate easy retrieval and compliance with regulations.

What skills do I need?

A career as a Records Manager requires a diverse set of skills that are essential for the effective management of an organisation’s records and information systems. Key competencies include strong analytical abilities to assess the record-keeping needs of the organisation and translate these into efficient management systems. Proficiency in maintaining both computerized and traditional record management systems is crucial, as is the ability to develop cataloguing, coding, and classification systems that ensure easy access to information. Additionally, a solid understanding of legal compliance and confidentiality protocols is necessary to safeguard sensitive information.

Moreover, effective communication skills are vital for collaborating with various departments and training staff on record management practices. Attention to detail and organisational skills are also important, as Records Managers must ensure that records are accurately maintained and easily retrievable. As the role often involves overseeing the disposal of records in accordance with retention policies, a proactive approach to problem-solving and a commitment to continuous improvement in record-keeping processes are essential traits for success in this field.

Skills/attributes

  • Strong organisational skills
  • Attention to detail
  • Knowledge of record management systems
  • Ability to analyse and assess record-keeping needs
  • Proficiency in computerised record management
  • Understanding of legal and compliance requirements
  • Effective communication skills
  • Problem-solving abilities
  • Ability to manage confidential information
  • Project management skills
  • Familiarity with cataloguing and classification systems
  • Teamwork and collaboration skills
  • Adaptability to new technologies
  • Time management skills
  • Commitment to continuous professional development

CourseFinder makes every effort to ensure the information we provide is correct at the time of publication. We welcome your input to help keep our career profiles as accurate and up to date as possible. All queries and feedback will be taken into consideration as we conduct periodic reviews of our content. Add your voice to the conversation!

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