Classification: The understudied concept

In the field of records and information management (RIM), classification is central for categorizing information including those embedded in records into a systematic structure for controlling and retrieval purposes. It is particularly a paramount concept and activity for information-related organization to organize and manage information from the beginning of its creation to disposal. The evolution of classification has diversified in applications in regards with the discipline of study including archival, library and information science. The need of classification has becoming more urgent in technology environment where information is easily created. However, technology has caused the authenticity and the integrity of information can be easily tampered and challenged. Technology together with the absence of classification has caused problems in dealing with information particularly in the aspect of storage. When classification is under-explored and minimally understood albeit its importance, the management of digital information becomes risky thus, affect to obscure decision making and provocation by laws. Therefore, it is essential that the concept is explored and be applied to ensure information/digital information created, maintained and preserved are in context, trustworthy, authentic and conform to standards and regulations. This paper discusses the concept of classification from various field so as to make clear why classification is significant to the records management field although is more popular in library science.