Information governance (IG) has emerged as a key concern for business executives and managers in today's environment of Big Data, increasing information risks, colossal leaks, and greater compliance and legal demands. But few seem to have a clear understanding of what IG is; that is, how you define what it is and is not, and how to implement it. This book clarifies and codifies these definitions and provides key insights as to how to implement and gain value from IG programs. Based on exhaustive research, and with the contributions of a number of industry pioneers and experts, this book lays out IG as a complete discipline in and of itself for the first time.
IG is a super-discipline that includes components of several key fields: law, records management, information technology (IT), risk management, privacy and security, and business operations. This unique blend calls for a new breed of information professional who is competent across these established and quite complex fields. Training and education are key to IG success, and this book provides the essential underpinning for organizations to train a new generation of IG professionals.
Those who are practicing professionals in the component fields of IG will find the book useful in expanding their knowledge from traditional fields to the emerging tenets of IG. Attorneys, records and compliance managers, risk managers, IT managers, and security and privacy professionals will find this book a particularly valuable resource.
The book strives to offer clear IG concepts, actionable strategies, and proven best practices in an understandable and digestible way; a concerted effort was made to simplify language and to offer examples. There are summaries of key points throughout and at the end of each chapter to help the reader retain major points. The text is organized into five parts: (1) Information Governance Concepts, Definitions, and Principles; (2) IG Risk Assessment and Strategic Planning; (3) IG Key Impact Areas; (4) IG for Delivery Platforms; and (5) Long-Term Program Issues. Also included are appendices with detailed information on taxonomy and metadata design and on records management and privacy legislation.
One thing that is sure is that the complex field of IG is evolving. It will continue to change and solidify. But help is here: No other book offers the kind of comprehensive coverage of IG contained within these pages. Leveraging the critical advice provided here will smooth your path to understanding and implementing successful IG programs.
Robert F. Smallwood