While details aren't 100% finalized yet, ARMA Calgary is hosting another CRM workshop at the end of January, with yours truly again facilitating it. The last workshop, held in April, was very successful - several attendees passed CRM exams following the workshop, and two attendees went on to pass Part 6 and get their CRM designation. It was a day of great learning! Details about the January workshop should be coming out in the new year, so if you're reading this ahead of time, you've got advance knowledge!
Because the last week has slowed down just a little bit, I've been cleaning up my email. It's a chore, because they've been piling up for about 2 years (since the last time I did a big clean up) and... please don't judge me... I have thousands of emails to individually check and make a decision on (transitory, transitory, official, transitory...). I'll be dreaming about it in my sleep tonight. But it sure is a good feeling to have it done, if I can finish it today... I'm hoping. I'm also trying to set myself up for success in the new year; I'm setting aside time on my calendar for email management and I've created a couple of rules and keyboard shortcuts that make it quick and easy to move messages to their appropriate folders. Maybe next December I'll share how well this is working. :)
I wish for you a Merry Christmas, a wonderful break, however long that might be, and a spectacular New Year. See you in 2018!
Wayne Hoff, CRM, IGP
ARMA Calgary Liaison
icrmrep@armacalgary.org
Friday, 22 December 2017
Wednesday, 25 October 2017
Some Clarification of CRA vs. CRM
A recent experience should be shared for those of you that are considering the CRA (Certified Records Analyst) versus the CRM (Certified Records Manager) designations. By way of review:
In the grand scheme of things, checking that box changes nothing. The requirements for qualifying for the CRA are exactly the same as for qualifying for the CRM. The only real difference is that, in the return notice that says "congratulations, you qualify!" it says "CRA" in the title instead of "CRM." It was a surprise to Meghan that the candidate couldn't register for part 1 and part 5 exams - she's looking into that, and presumably in the future parts 1 and 5 will be open to both CRA and CRM candidates.
If I were only just now applying to the ICRM, I would probably go for the CRA and write parts 2, 3, and 4 first. Just so that I could put some official initials after my name sooner rather than later! But you're in no way limited by that, so the choice is up to you.
Maybe this will clear up some confusion.
Wayne Hoff, CRM, IGP
ARMA Calgary ICRM Liaison
icrmrep@armacalgary.org
I heard this joke the other day, and it made me laugh. Scroll down for the answer.
What's brown and sticky?
A stick.
(Laugh, groan, or roll your eyes. Your choice.)
- You get your CRA designation when you pass parts 2, 3, and 4
- You get your CRM designation when you pass all 6 parts
In the grand scheme of things, checking that box changes nothing. The requirements for qualifying for the CRA are exactly the same as for qualifying for the CRM. The only real difference is that, in the return notice that says "congratulations, you qualify!" it says "CRA" in the title instead of "CRM." It was a surprise to Meghan that the candidate couldn't register for part 1 and part 5 exams - she's looking into that, and presumably in the future parts 1 and 5 will be open to both CRA and CRM candidates.
If I were only just now applying to the ICRM, I would probably go for the CRA and write parts 2, 3, and 4 first. Just so that I could put some official initials after my name sooner rather than later! But you're in no way limited by that, so the choice is up to you.
Maybe this will clear up some confusion.
Wayne Hoff, CRM, IGP
ARMA Calgary ICRM Liaison
icrmrep@armacalgary.org
I heard this joke the other day, and it made me laugh. Scroll down for the answer.
What's brown and sticky?
A stick.
(Laugh, groan, or roll your eyes. Your choice.)
Thursday, 5 October 2017
The Old vs. the New
The CRM exams cover a wide spectrum between the old and the new. Technological questions may be covered in any exam part, and Part 5, Technology, specifically covers records systems, imaging, and electronic records management. At the same time, as a CRA/CRM candidate you are expected to know the full range of traditional paper processes as well. In fact, I've heard criticisms in the past about the fact that the CRM exam is "mired in ancient history."
Here's the thing: records managers still have to manage paper. Lots of it. Tons of it. And for the foreseeable future, that won't change. We look forward to the day - nay, dream of the day! - when we can leave paper processes behind, but for now most of us still have to manage those paper official records. And at the same time we work hard to adapt to the reality of constantly changing technology so that we can manage records in all formats appropriately for our organizations.
Therefore, when you study for exams, it's important to study the old - with apologies to all of the following, I'm talking about Saffady, Robek, and Langemo - as well as the new. The new is a little harder. Books on electronic records management are out there, and have value - I'm thinking of Smallwood, Blair, Kahn, plus many others - but when the books are even a couple of years old they're already out of date. That means you need to be on blogs, newsfeeds, the RM listserv, and webinars to really get a picture of what's happening now in electronic information management.
You might ask, "How likely is it that such leading-edge technology will be in the CRM exams?" I'm not sure - they make new questions all the time, so the chance is definitely there. But it's important for you to look beyond the exam. You don't become a great records manager by passing CRM exams; you become a great records manager by being engaged in the industry and following what's going on. You think you're studying for an exam?? No! You're studying for your career.
Wayne Hoff, CRM, IGP
ARMA Calgary ICRM Liaison
icrmrep@armacalgary.org
Here's the thing: records managers still have to manage paper. Lots of it. Tons of it. And for the foreseeable future, that won't change. We look forward to the day - nay, dream of the day! - when we can leave paper processes behind, but for now most of us still have to manage those paper official records. And at the same time we work hard to adapt to the reality of constantly changing technology so that we can manage records in all formats appropriately for our organizations.
Therefore, when you study for exams, it's important to study the old - with apologies to all of the following, I'm talking about Saffady, Robek, and Langemo - as well as the new. The new is a little harder. Books on electronic records management are out there, and have value - I'm thinking of Smallwood, Blair, Kahn, plus many others - but when the books are even a couple of years old they're already out of date. That means you need to be on blogs, newsfeeds, the RM listserv, and webinars to really get a picture of what's happening now in electronic information management.
You might ask, "How likely is it that such leading-edge technology will be in the CRM exams?" I'm not sure - they make new questions all the time, so the chance is definitely there. But it's important for you to look beyond the exam. You don't become a great records manager by passing CRM exams; you become a great records manager by being engaged in the industry and following what's going on. You think you're studying for an exam?? No! You're studying for your career.
Wayne Hoff, CRM, IGP
ARMA Calgary ICRM Liaison
icrmrep@armacalgary.org
Tuesday, 5 September 2017
Calling All Aspiring CRM/CRAs...
Ah, fall. The nights are getting cold, the leaves are turning yellow, and (as of today, with my kids) students are reluctantly stumbling back to school. It's part of the annual natural cycle.
There's a concurrent cycle in the CRM world as well. The August exam cycle has just completed, and those with bleary eyes are getting some much-needed sleep. Exam writers are exulting, licking wounds, or both, and Part 6 writers are sitting on pins and needles until results are back. (The grading deadline for graders is today, so those results shouldn't be too far off.) And with everyone getting back to school and studies, the next generation of potential CRM candidates is already pondering their professional development possibilities.
Perhaps that's you. The CRM designation is still the most widely-recognized RIM credential out there, and it has a good reputation largely because the exam process is so grueling. Check out the ICRM website for information on the exams and on applying.
If you have already committed to yourself or to your employer to write the exams, maybe you'd like a study partner? I can arrange to get introduce candidates and provided a suggested study approach if you're interested. Just give me a shout at 403-297-5746.
The next exam cycle is November 6-17, with registration closing November 2nd. For exam cycles for the next couple of years, look here.
Good luck to our Part 6 candidates still awaiting word, and to all candidates happy studying.
Wayne Hoff
ICRM Liaison
icrmrep@armacalgary.org
There's a concurrent cycle in the CRM world as well. The August exam cycle has just completed, and those with bleary eyes are getting some much-needed sleep. Exam writers are exulting, licking wounds, or both, and Part 6 writers are sitting on pins and needles until results are back. (The grading deadline for graders is today, so those results shouldn't be too far off.) And with everyone getting back to school and studies, the next generation of potential CRM candidates is already pondering their professional development possibilities.
Perhaps that's you. The CRM designation is still the most widely-recognized RIM credential out there, and it has a good reputation largely because the exam process is so grueling. Check out the ICRM website for information on the exams and on applying.
If you have already committed to yourself or to your employer to write the exams, maybe you'd like a study partner? I can arrange to get introduce candidates and provided a suggested study approach if you're interested. Just give me a shout at 403-297-5746.
The next exam cycle is November 6-17, with registration closing November 2nd. For exam cycles for the next couple of years, look here.
Good luck to our Part 6 candidates still awaiting word, and to all candidates happy studying.
Wayne Hoff
ICRM Liaison
icrmrep@armacalgary.org
Thursday, 24 August 2017
Your Vote Counts!
The ICRM liaison typically acts as a guide and mentor for CRM candidates. I look forward to continuing in this role. I would like to add another dimension to my duties - and that is offering news and assistance to current CRMs who are often just as engaged in the CRM process, adding maintenance credits and keeping abreast of ICRM news. In this forum I will occasionally address current CRMs and CRAs directly (and, in fact, have done a little bit of that already!).
So, for today, this: please vote for your ICRM board members! The election is now active, and if you are a CRM in good standing you would have received an email (on or around August 7th) which outlines the actions you need to take to vote. Have a look at the candidates (a lot of information is provided) and be a part of the future direction of the Institute of Certified Records Managers by casting your votes.
In the meantime - I've been given one exam to mark for the August writing... to those of you waiting for that mark and potentially the official credential - good luck!!
Wayne Hoff, CRM, IGP
ARMA Calgary ICRM Liaison
icrmrep@armacalgary.org
So, for today, this: please vote for your ICRM board members! The election is now active, and if you are a CRM in good standing you would have received an email (on or around August 7th) which outlines the actions you need to take to vote. Have a look at the candidates (a lot of information is provided) and be a part of the future direction of the Institute of Certified Records Managers by casting your votes.
In the meantime - I've been given one exam to mark for the August writing... to those of you waiting for that mark and potentially the official credential - good luck!!
Wayne Hoff, CRM, IGP
ARMA Calgary ICRM Liaison
icrmrep@armacalgary.org
Wednesday, 2 August 2017
Books and more books!
I get asked by a lot of people who are curious about the CRM designation, "Where do I buy the textbook?" They've hunted for it online and can't find anything.
Of course, there is no textbook for the CRM. Or rather, EVERYTHING is the text book! It is up to the candidate to review the list of study topics for each exam and fill in the areas they're not so strong on with their own study. That means finding books, magazine articles, blog posts, webinars, conference sessions, chapter events, lunch & learns, and conversations with experienced practitioners, and then soaking it up. It's not as daunting as it looks - it just takes a bit of time, and the bonus is that learning it is enjoyable and even exciting.
I have a whole library of records management and information government books. (Okay, maybe not a whole library, but quite a few all the same.) They're some of the classic study materials and include many of the recommended resources listed by the ICRM on their website. Some offerings:
A question to both CRA/CRM candidates and existing CRA/CRMs - what study resources did you find most helpful? Share them with us all in the comments.
Happy studying.
Wayne Hoff, CRM, IGP
ARMA Calgary ICRM Liaison
icrmrep@armacalgary.org
Of course, there is no textbook for the CRM. Or rather, EVERYTHING is the text book! It is up to the candidate to review the list of study topics for each exam and fill in the areas they're not so strong on with their own study. That means finding books, magazine articles, blog posts, webinars, conference sessions, chapter events, lunch & learns, and conversations with experienced practitioners, and then soaking it up. It's not as daunting as it looks - it just takes a bit of time, and the bonus is that learning it is enjoyable and even exciting.
I have a whole library of records management and information government books. (Okay, maybe not a whole library, but quite a few all the same.) They're some of the classic study materials and include many of the recommended resources listed by the ICRM on their website. Some offerings:
- Winning Strategies for Successful Records Management Programs (Langemo, 2002)
- Records and Information Management: Fundamentals of Professional Practice (Saffady, 2011)
- Records Management for Dummies (Richardson, 2012)
- Micrographics: Technology for the 21st Century (Saffady, 2000)
- Records Management: Making the Transition from Paper to Electronic (Stephens, 2010)
- Information and Records Management: Document Based Information Systems (Robek, Brown, & Stephens, 1995)
- Barron’s Business Guides: Dictionary of Computer and Internet Terms (Downing et all, 2013)
- Records Management (Read & Ginn, 2007)
- Digital Document Management (Saffady, 2007)
A question to both CRA/CRM candidates and existing CRA/CRMs - what study resources did you find most helpful? Share them with us all in the comments.
Happy studying.
Wayne Hoff, CRM, IGP
ARMA Calgary ICRM Liaison
icrmrep@armacalgary.org
Tuesday, 11 April 2017
CRM Workshop is Full
I think back to the discussions at the ARMA Calgary board level - "Should we do a CRM workshop or not??" I knew that there were a couple of interested people but that was about it. Now the workshop is completely full! Congrats and thanks to all of those that registered. If you were thinking about it and waited too long - I'm sorry. Please let me know one way or another and it will help to guide us in how soon we offer the workshop again.
And now I will take this opportunity to soapbox (cue heavy sighs). I have always felt that the CRM designation, and the knowledge and experience that comes with it, is forward looking, not backwards looking. If you wear your CRM designation as badge of the bygone era of paper management, you're unfortunately missing its point. The CRM prepares us for the future, and for the storm of information change that we're already in. There was no way to predict the impact that personal computers would have on information management in the 80's and 90's. There was no way to predict the impact of the internet in the 2000's, or of social media or mobile computing more recently. There is no way to predict what else is coming around the corner - be it AI or quantum computing or blockchain or something else. What we DO know is this: organizations need people who understand the fundamental risks and requirements of information, no matter its form, and how those risks and requirements are managed. I constantly go back to the generally-accepted recordkeeping principles and consider how they are fundamental to all eras of IM.
Soapboxing is done... go forth and manage. :)
Wayne Hoff, CRM, IGP
ICRM Liaison
ARMA Calgary
icrmrep@armacalgary.org
And now I will take this opportunity to soapbox (cue heavy sighs). I have always felt that the CRM designation, and the knowledge and experience that comes with it, is forward looking, not backwards looking. If you wear your CRM designation as badge of the bygone era of paper management, you're unfortunately missing its point. The CRM prepares us for the future, and for the storm of information change that we're already in. There was no way to predict the impact that personal computers would have on information management in the 80's and 90's. There was no way to predict the impact of the internet in the 2000's, or of social media or mobile computing more recently. There is no way to predict what else is coming around the corner - be it AI or quantum computing or blockchain or something else. What we DO know is this: organizations need people who understand the fundamental risks and requirements of information, no matter its form, and how those risks and requirements are managed. I constantly go back to the generally-accepted recordkeeping principles and consider how they are fundamental to all eras of IM.
Soapboxing is done... go forth and manage. :)
Wayne Hoff, CRM, IGP
ICRM Liaison
ARMA Calgary
icrmrep@armacalgary.org
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