RIM: a global perspective.

• Position: In focus: a message from the editors - Editorial

Due to myriad information technologies, such as the Internet and e-mail, an individual in Madagascar can communicate with another individual in Montana within minutes and for much less than the price of a phone call or stamp. Such instantaneous communication enables information to be shared more easily and more frequently among any number of participants, whether they are located just across town from each other, in different countries, or on opposite ends of the world.

This capability greatly facilitates the ability of records and information management (RIM) professionals worldwide to network and share knowledge. Despite the varying levels of RIM technology available to them, records professionals in China follow the same basic RIM principles as those in the United States. Both are working to meet the same goals and objectives within their organizations, and often are using similar practices, procedures, policies, and technology. Though they may have to deal with language and cultural barriers, RIM professionals around the world can learn from each other.

For that reason, this issue of The Information Management Journal focuses on global RIM issues, procedures, and standards. Although many of the articles in this issue may focus on RIM in Canada, the United Kingdom, and Germany, they also provide valuable lessons learned for RIM professionals everywhere.

For example, Xiaomi An's feature, "An Integrated Approach to Records Management," examines the internationally recognized records continuum model and its application to electronic records. An specifically discusses how its purpose-oriented approach to records management changes the role of recordkeeping from reactive to proactive and can be used to develop an integrated best-practice framework for managing electronic records.

In "Protecting Privacy in Canada's Private Sector," Sheila Taylor, CRM, tells us everything we need to know about Canada's private-sector privacy...