ISO 30300-2020 PDF

Full title and description

ISO 30300:2020 — Information and documentation — Records management — Core concepts and vocabulary. This International Standard defines the core concepts and terminology used in records management and underpins the ISO management-system approach to records (MSR).

Abstract

ISO 30300:2020 provides the terms and definitions relevant to the records management domain, establishes objectives and high-level principles for a management system for records (MSR), and supports consistent application of records-management concepts across organizations and related ISO standards. It is intended as the foundational vocabulary for the ISO 30300 family.

General information

• Status: Published (current edition).
• Publication date: April 2020 (Edition 2, 2020-04).
• Publisher: International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
• ICS / categories: 01.040.01 (Generalities, terminology); 01.140.20 (Information sciences).
• Edition / version: Edition 2 (2020).
• Number of pages: 17 pages (ISO publication).

Scope

ISO 30300:2020 specifies the core concepts and vocabulary for records management. It is applicable to any type of organization seeking a consistent conceptual basis for establishing, implementing, operating, maintaining and improving a management system for records (MSR). The document does not limit the introduction of new terms in other ISO/TC 46/SC 11 standards but provides the foundational terminology used across the MSR series.

Key topics and requirements

• Definitions of core records-management concepts and precise vocabulary for MSR contexts.
• Objectives and high-level principles for a management system for records (MSR).
• Process-based approach to records management terminology (linking concepts to MSR processes).
• Roles and responsibilities at management level in relation to records policy and MSR governance.
• Alignment and interoperability of terms with related records standards (enabling consistent implementation and certification of MSR requirements in companion documents).

Typical use and users

Used by records managers, archivists, information governance and compliance professionals, legal teams, auditors, standards writers, IT and digital preservation specialists, and consultants. It is primarily a reference document to ensure consistent terminology when implementing records-management systems, developing policy, training staff, or aligning records practices with other management-system standards.

Related standards

Key related standards include ISO 30301 (Management systems for records — Requirements), which specifies MSR requirements that use the vocabulary of ISO 30300; ISO 15489 (Records management — concepts and principles) which provides detailed principles and guidance for records practices; and other ISO/TC 46/SC 11 outputs such as the ISO 23081 series (metadata for records) and ISO 13008 (digital records conversion and migration). These documents are commonly used together to design, implement and assess records-management programs.

Keywords

records management, management system for records (MSR), vocabulary, terminology, records policy, governance, metadata, information governance, ISO 30300, ISO 30301, ISO 15489.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ISO 30300:2020 is the ISO International Standard that defines the core concepts and vocabulary for records management and for the ISO management-system approach to records (MSR).

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers standardized terms, definitions and core concepts needed to describe records-management activities and MSR governance (objectives, principles, process approach and management roles). It is a foundational vocabulary standard rather than a list of operational procedures.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Records managers, archivists, information governance and compliance officers, IT/digital preservation teams, auditors, consultants and standards developers use it as a reference to ensure consistent terminology across policy, systems, training and related standards.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: ISO 30300:2020 is the current published edition (replacing ISO 30300:2011). ISO work on subsequent revisions or related work items has been registered (an AWI for a future revision is recorded), so users should check for any newer editions or drafts when planning formal certification or long-term projects.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — ISO 30300 is the vocabulary/fundamentals part of the ISO 30300 series (management systems for records) and is intended to be used together with ISO 30301 (requirements) and other SC 11 standards such as ISO 23081 (metadata) and ISO 15489 (records management principles).

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Records management, MSR, vocabulary, terminology, records policy, governance, metadata, information governance, ISO 30300, ISO 30301, ISO 15489.