SFU Archives and Records Management Department
File Classification
Syllabus
Introductions
Participants introduce themselves and state: 1) where they work (administrative vs
academic department); 2) a question they would like answered by the end of the
workshop; and 3) reasons for attending. Housekeeping details reviewed.
Objectives
Summary of the skills/knowledge participants should expect to gain from workshop.
What is file classification?
Formal definition stated. Basics of classification reviewed.
How to read a file plan
Design of file plan discussed, including the elements of which it is comprised – subject
headings, primaries and secondaries, media designations, retention periods, final
disposition designations, close types, version information, and scope notes.
How to classify a record
Ten steps to classifying a record reviewed. Includes class exercise.
Labeling file folders
Six data elements to be included on file folder labels demonstrated.
Model File Classification Plan for University Records
Online orientation to Model Plan provided.
Organizing electronic records
Strategies for organizing electronic records discussed.
Undertaking a file classification project
Points for a department to consider before committing to a file classification project
reviewed (e.g. support from senior management, buy in from colleagues, time
commitment, file conversion, etc.). Services provided by ARMD outlined.
The benefits of file classification
Benefits of classification to departments and the University reviewed.
Reminders and evaluation
Other records management workshops discussed. Workshop evaluations completed.
November 2005 Syllabus Page 1 of 1