TEXT B. Governments Moving Towards E-Governance

Task: scan the text to find the answers to the questions that follow.

The future of RIM¹ is seen to be with electronic systems, so much so that there is a new movement towards e-government. E-government has been defined as the use by government agencies of information technologies that have the ability to transform relations with citizens, businesses, and other arms² of government. The prospect of introducing e-government is a means of development. The movement towards e-government has been justified as being more efficient and cheaper.

Although progress towards e-government is seen as a major success, it does have its problems. A major problem is that ICTs³ can actually make the problem of the existing RIM system worse. If any existing paper-based system is not functioning well, putting everything in an electronic format without modifications will only transfer pre-existing issues into a more technologically advanced format. The impact of malfunctioning paper systems thus affects the electronic system, creating a situation ripe for easy manipulation by any corrupt officials. Therefore, there is a very serious need to first make the paper system functional.

Furthermore, there are challenges associated with the long-term preservation of electronic records, due to speedy software and hardware obsolescence, as well as lack of funding to support preservation efforts. This makes appropriate RIM techniques beyond current reach for many archives. In addition, not all citizens have access to the technologies required by e-government.

Thus, nations need to be cautious when implementing ICTs and ERM⁴ systems without appropriate training and funding. Before a government adopts ICTs and moves towards e-government, it should assess whether its legal system, physical infrastructure, collecting, processing, storing, and distributing procedures are adequate for electronic records. A government should make sure that staff are appropriately trained in RIM and ERM issues.

Notes:

¹ RIM – Records and Information Management

² arm – административное подразделение; отдел; отделение

³ ICT – information and communications technology

⁴ ERM – Electronic Records Management – управление электронными архивами/документами

1. What is e-government? 2. The movement towards e-government is seen as a major success, isn’t it? 3. Why is there a very serious need to first make the paper system functional? 4. What does speedy software and hardware obsolescence lead to? 5. Do all citizens have access to the technologies required by e-government? 6. What should a government do before it adopts ICTs and moves towards e-government?

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