I started the SLIM program in January 2005, after operating my own technical writing business for over thirty years. I intended to learn more about knowledge management practices, and then resume designing complex corporate intranets and information services for my business clients. Dr. Cecilia Salvatore introduced me to archives studies, and I saw that business information management is its natural partner. Information transfer within both fields requires identification of institutional and client information needs, and the prompt provision of accurate information repackaged in useable formats.
I look forward to working in the area that lies between business information technology and the increased desire of archives, libraries, and museums to provide direct web access to their cultural materials.
SLIM's Information Management certificate program addresses the knowledge and skills necessary to deliver quality information services promptly, economically, and efficiently. Business information practices include:
- Customizing information services to meet the unique needs of the organization's internal and external customers.
- Applying knowledge of current business theories and practices.
- Providing extensive research using print and electronic business information resources.
- Adding value to data to create useful information.
- Supplying needed and missing information to enable business success.
- Repackaging relevant information into print and electronic formats appropriate to internal and external organization customers.
SLIM's Archives Studies Certificate program prepares students to work in archival and special collections settings, to meet the challenges of arranging, describing, and organizing information in diverse formats, and to preserve and provide access to collection information. Training focus is directed towards understanding:
- Ways of providing access to and preserving materials that are of enduring value and serve as the cultural memory of a society.
- The uniqueness of archives materials and library special collections, and the techniques and processes that are necessary to manage and maintain these materials and collections.
- The diverse formats in which information is organized and delivered, and the resulting complexity of information, and its organization, storage, maintenance, and preservation.