Challenges Encountered when Applying Standard File Plan in Municipalities

Abstract

There were some difficulties creating challenges that were encountered in the process of applying the Standard File Plan as developed by the National Archives Administration. An important part of these challenges originated from the fact that the subject headings do not correspond with the defined tasks and functions of the municipalities, moreover the subject headings are not descriptive enough and the application of the plan to electronic records is not clear enough. The aim of this article is to offer solutions to such problems on the basis of an illustrative example. Thus the file plan at the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality have been studied for this article. In the conclusion of the article, which was reached by also using interviews and surveys, the difficulties caused by the plan itself, as well as the institution and staff were examined. It is to believe that a well-designed records management program by using an appropriate systems approach will much contribute in solving the problems.