Groups Sharing Common Interests or Passions
The federal government has several organizations dedicated to records management, each with a unique focus and set of requirements for federal staff involved in records management. Here's a brief overview of the Federal Records Management Council (FRMC), the Federal Records Officer Network (FRON), and the Microsoft 365 User Group.
The Federal Records Management Council (FRMC)
The FRMC is a council led by the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) that coordinates federal records management policies across agencies. Its primary goal is to ensure that federal records are properly created, maintained, preserved, and accessible, all in line with the Federal Records Act and NARA regulations. To meet these objectives, federal staff are expected to comply with records schedules, adhere to electronic records management standards, and undergo training on records management policies.
The Federal Records Officer Network (FRON)
The FRON is a community of federal records officers who share best practices, training resources, and updates on federal records management regulations. FRON typically emphasizes compliance with records management legislation, training on new technologies affecting records, and fostering communication between agencies. Access to the FRON requires a login to APAN.org, and eligibility is limited to individuals with .gov or .mil email addresses.
The Microsoft 365 User Group
In the federal context, the Microsoft 365 User Group likely focuses on how federal agencies implement Microsoft 365 tools in compliance with records management requirements. This includes secure collaboration, records retention, and information governance within Microsoft 365 environments. Access to the Microsoft 365 User Group requires a login to history.gov.
For those seeking to improve records management within their federal roles, the Microsoft 365 User Group is a valuable resource. It offers peer support, shares best practices, and ensures integration with federal records policies.
If you're interested in joining any of these organizations, here are the contact details:
- To join the FRMC, contact Ron Swecker at [email protected].
- For the NARA-led group, contact [email protected].
Remember, this article serves as a general overview. For official or current detailed requirements, consulting the National Archives (NARA) website or the official websites of the FRMC, FRON, and Microsoft 365 federal user group resources is recommended. These organizations meet regularly to discuss records management implications of Microsoft 365 and address common records issues. They serve as ongoing forums for federal practitioners and stakeholders to share information and identify common records management challenges.
Technology plays a crucial role in the efforts of these organizations to enhance records management. The Federal Records Management Council (FRMC), the Federal Records Officer Network (FRON), and the Microsoft 365 User Group each embrace new technologies to facilitate secure collaboration, ensure records retention, and promote information governance, thus catering to the electronic records management requirements of federal agencies.
