Experts debate role of electronic archiving

The conference, being organised in co-operation with the Abu Dhabi-based Arab Regional Chapter of the International Council on Archives under the title "Quick and Accurate Information for a Successful Decision", concluded yesterday.

Experts from Canada, France, Australia, Holland, Switzerland, Algeria, Egypt, Jordan, and Tunis, in addition to representatives of Dubai Municipality, Dubai Police and Ras Al Khaimah Municipality participated the three-day conference, which saw a presentation of a total of 18 work papers.

The first session of the second day titled "Rules of Electronic Archive Management" started with a paper on "Planning a policy for electronic archive in Canada" by Bruce Walton, Director of Electronic Records Project in the Canadian National Archive.

Niklaus Butikofer of the Swiss Federal Archive and Member of Electronic Archive Committee of International Council of Archives spoke about the guidelines and international standards related to the electronic archive management.

The third paper titled "International Technical Standards in the field of Electronic Archives" was presented by Hani J Dajani of the Middle East Communication Corporation, Jordan and DRMS consultant, Dubai Municipality.

The second session of the day titled "Applications on Electronic Archive" saw presentation of five papers. Howard Quenault, an expert and consultant in the field of information and knowledge management at Victoria State Archive Centre presented his paper on "Victorian Electronic Records Strategy (2VERS2 System)."

Dr Rafat Radwan, Head of Information and Decision Taking Support Centre at Egyptian Cabinet presented a paper titled "Arab Foundations Comprehensive Management system."