The ARMA Austin Chapter meeting, workshops, and Lending Library are available to assist you in advancing your knowledge of RIM. In addition watch for seminars and events in your area which offer additional records management training. Some suggested sites for obtaining information on such training include:

• ARMA International
• National Association of Government Archives and Records Administrators (NAGARA)
• The Association for Information and Image Management (AIIM) International
• The Society of American Archivists (SAA)
• Institute of Certified Records Managers (ICRM)

Records enable and support an organizations effort to fulfill its mission by adding value through defined objectives or by reducing costs. Information is a valuable resource in any organization and a systematic approach to the management of records:

• Contributes to the smooth operation of programs by making the information needed for decision making and operations readily available
• Protects the rights of the organization, its employees, and its customers
• Provides continuity in the event of a disaster
• Protects records from inappropriate and unauthorized access
• Meets statutory and regulatory requirements including archival, audit, and oversight activities
• Provides protection and support in litigation
• Allows quicker retrieval of documents and information from files
• Improves office efficiency and productivity
• Frees up office space for other purposes by moving inactive records to storage facilities
• Avoids unnecessary purchases of office equipment

The ARMA Austin Bylaws (PDF version)can be found here.