Records management cataloguing and access
The Records Management, Cataloguing and Access Team (RMCAT) acquires, catalogues and makes available records of historical and research value relating to Northern Ireland.
It is responsible for:
- Records management across the Northern Ireland public sector (Central Government, non-departmental public bodies, Local Authorities, Northern Ireland Court Service) – providing advice and guidance on the management and disposal of paper records. This ensures selection of material of historical and other research value for permanent preservation.
- Acquisition of private records relating to Northern Ireland by appraisal and selection of records held by private depositors and which might otherwise be lost to the wider community.
- Cataloguing of public records and privately deposited archives. The catalogues identify and explain PRONI’s holdings, to encourage their use by a wide and varied audience. The electronic Catalogue for Northern Ireland (eCATNI) will promote PRONI’s holdings over the internet to a worldwide customer base.
- Promoting access to records. PRONI encourages the release of information within the legislative guidelines of the Freedom of Information Act by:
- facilitating and co-ordinating the Annual Release of records under the 30 Year Rule;
- responding to requests for information under Freedom of Information, Data Protection and Environmental Information legislation (liaising with third parties as required);
- working closely with public authorities on special projects in support of victims, e.g. Historic Enquiries Team of the Police Service of Northern Ireland.
