Explains IG fundamentals and strategies.

• Author: Taylor, Sheila
• Position: 'Quick Read' - Information governance

In the early pages of his newest book, author Robert Smallwood describes information governance in this way: Information governance (IG) is increasingly seen as a critical initiative in well-run organizations. IG is about minimizing information risks and costs while maximizing its value. IG is, in short, the ability to secure, control and optimize information. But IG has often been presented as a complicated and blurry concept, and IG programs have often fallen short of their aims.

The author's goals in writing this book for executive management are to remove the blurriness by providing "crystal-clear definitions of IG and its concepts" and help readers ensure successful IG implementation in their organizations by providing "a high-level understanding of the drivers and benefits of IG," assistance in developing the business case for IG, and recommendations on "how to launch and manage an ongoing IG program." This goal is achieved in clear language and in just over 170 pages, providing the busy executive with a quick read of IG fundamentals and strategies.

Is Well-Organized

The book is divided into three sections.

Part 1 "Introduction to IG":

* Defines IG and explains its benefits

* Identifies the business functions that should be part of an IG program

* Provides an overview of IG implementation and recommendations for deciding where to start an IG program

* Discusses how to build a business case for IG

* Identifies requirements for overseeing an IG program's ongoing operation (e.g., monitoring and accountability)

Part 2 "IG Planning and Policy Development":

* Presents the author's 10 principles for IG success

* Reviews an eight-step process for information risk planning and management

* Discusses how to develop an IG strategic plan

* Identifies key IG frameworks and models (e.g., the Information Governance Reference Model) and IG-related standards (e.g., ISO 15489).

Part 3 "Strategies and Advice from the Field" provides six chapters (only three of which are attributed to named IG practitioners) that build upon the first two parts by addressing topics such as the need to anticipate conflicts in an IG program and advice on launching an IG program.

In addition, a list of key points at the end of each chapter in parts 1 and 2 and a glossary of terms are provided.

Has Some Gaps

Given the book's intended audience and the author's assertion that an executive management-level sponsor is "the most important factor for [IG] success," the book's...