Implementation of the DIRKS Methodology by International Organizations: The Case of the United Nations

Abstract

The authors conducted a research on the records management activities in the United Nations (UN) through an investigation of the UN website and a field research at the Archives and Records Management Section (ARMS) at the UN Headquarters in New York in September 2006. This research aimed to identify the issues in records management that serve as communication measures to overcome language and cultural barriers in international organizations. Among the research results, it is interesting to note that ARMS is implementing the methodology of Designing and Implementing Recordkeeping Systems (DIRKS) based on ISO 15489 for the records management of UN projects, operations, and housekeeping activities. In particular, it appears that ARMS places considerable value on business analysis with other UN departments so that it can approve record scheduling and classification periods. In addition, ARMS establishes the "Taxonomy for recordkeeping," which is applicable to peacekeeping operations as well as mapping the taxonomy with the scheduling. The staff of ARMS emphasizes the importance of the DIRKS methodology in terms of its flexibility as a pragmatic solution for recordkeeping activities in the UN. This paper discusses the effect of the DIRKS methodology-which originated within the Australian and Oceanic contexts-and its value for international organizations. It also discusses the background of the current records management activities of the UN as well as the challenges in implementing the DIRKS methodology in international contexts.