Why records-readiness is more important than ever

BY BETH MASER, CEO OF HISTORY ASSOCIATES INCORPORATED

[Photo: Getty Images]

What is the tie that binds a business preparing for a corporate anniversary, navigating a merger, or responding to a fast-moving wildfire? It’s organized, accessible records. Sadly, though, the value of these files is often only revealed in high-pressure moments when instant access is essential for a successful outcome.

These moments are rarely the time to get your house in order. However, consider the possibility when organizations invest properly in their future.

The Getty: A case study

Consider the J. Paul Getty Trust which owns and operates the Getty Museum in Los Angeles. When ferocious wildfires threatened the region earlier this year, Getty didn’t scramble—it followed a well-rehearsed plan. The campus was designed with fire resistance in mind, and emergency protocols were firmly in place. But preparedness didn’t stop with the physical collection.

Featured Video

The Man Behind the Wheel of Driverless Trucks

Since 2001, the Getty Trust has operated an integrated archives and records management program, recognizing that preserving institutional knowledge is as vital as preserving art. From conservation research to........

© Inc.com