Abstract

This study aims to examine the current role of the National Records Management Committee and explore what its proper future function should be. To achieve this research objective, the agendas of both regular and ad hoc meetings of the National Records Management Committee were reviewed through their respective minutes, along with those of the committee’s subcommittees. A comprehensive analysis of the agendas discussed revealed several issues regarding the National Records Management Committee’s role. Four significant problems were identified. First, one agenda item—“cooperation and collaboration among permanent record management institutions”—had not been addressed at all. Second, issues concerning the “management of presidential records” were also left unreviewed. Third, the majority of discussions focused heavily on topics such as the “establishment, amendment, and repeal of record management standards” and the “approval for extending the transfer period of nonpublic records and extending the confidentiality period of such records.” Fourth, frequent changes were observed in the names and agenda items of the committee’s specialized subcommittees. Based on these findings, interviews were conducted with members of the National Records Management Committee, leading to the following recommendations. First, the National Records Management Committee’s authority should be elevated. Second, greater oversight and checks should be required for the Special Committee for Management of Presidential Records. Third, all matters related to records management standards should be prioritized for discussion by the subcommittees. Fourth, the roles and functions of the specialized committees should be further strengthened.