A Descriptive Case Study of Electronic Records Taxonomy Development at the Central Intelligence Agency

Electronic records are growing at a rapid pace and the management of these records is evolving into a large, complex problem facing all organizations, including the military. The Air Force, specifically, is experiencing difficulty transitioning from a paper-based records management methodology to an electronically-based one. In contrast, the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) has developed and implemented an electronic records management program that has been quite successful and that has gainined notoriety inside and outside of governmental channels. This research uses a descriptive case study approach to examine the CIA’s experience in developing an electronic records management program. Specific attention is given to the process of developing an overall organizing electronic records taxonomy. This study provides insight into an overall e-records implementation and strategy approach leading to specific recommendations for developing an enterprise-wide electronic records taxonomy. Additional benefits of the research include lessons learned from the CIA regarding the taxonomy development process and implementation.