Articles

Managing Intellectual Assets: The Identification, Capture, Maintenance, and Use of the Records of Federally Sponsored Scientific Research

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Abstract

Academic organizations, in addition to government and private industry, must begin to regard sponsored research records as vital and integral evidential and intellectual assets. This essay emphasizes these records' value as a means of risk management for both the researcher and the institution. Establishing a Department of Intellectual Assets (a name chosen to reflect the nature of the records management/archives program) under the jurisdiction of the University's Controller's Office, where the vital records of all research being performed at the university are maintained, is the primary goal for ensuring adequate evidence and accountability of these activities. The paper points out that the records which emanate from scientific research activities are discipline specific and, as a result, archivists and records managers must work together to develop programs that will reflect this diversification. The goal of what this essay is suggesting is to transform the focus of records professionals off of information and onto evidence—evidence of fiscal, administrative, and legal transactions, as well as providing evidence of laboratory proceedings.

How to Cite:

Barata, K. J., (1996) “Managing Intellectual Assets: The Identification, Capture, Maintenance, and Use of the Records of Federally Sponsored Scientific Research”, Archival Issues 21(2), 129–143. doi: https://doi.org/10.31274/archivalissues.10574