Overview - ISO 30300:2020 (Records management - Core concepts and vocabulary)
ISO 30300:2020 is the ISO vocabulary standard for the records management domain. It defines the core concepts and standardized terminology used across ISO/TC 46/SC 11 records management standards. As a terminology (vocabulary) document, ISO 30300:2020 provides consistent definitions, concept diagrams and an alphabetical index to improve clarity and interoperability when discussing records, records systems and records processes. This second edition (2020) replaces the 2011 edition and broadens coverage beyond the Management Systems for Records series.
Key topics and technical content
The standard focuses on terms and definitions grouped by concept. Major technical topics include:
- Terms relating to the concept of organization (e.g., accountability, mandate, interested party, compliance, business continuity)
- Terms relating to the concept of records (core definitions used by records managers and archivists)
- Terms relating to appraisal (principles used to assess retention and disposition)
- Terms relating to records management and records processes (activities, agents, functions, audits, monitoring)
- Terms relating to records control and records systems (system-level concepts and records system elements)
- Concept diagrams (Annex A) that graphically map relationships among core concepts for consistent interpretation
Notes:
- The standard follows ISO/TC 37 terminology principles and includes high-level structure core terms (Annex L) to align with management-system language.
- ISO 30300:2020 is a vocabulary reference - it does not mandate procedures or technical implementations.
Practical applications and who uses it
ISO 30300:2020 is a foundational resource for anyone who needs a consistent, authoritative vocabulary in records management, including:
- Records managers, archivists and information governance professionals
- Standards developers and technical committees (ISO/TC 46/SC 11)
- Legal, compliance and risk teams defining mandates and retention rules
- IT architects and vendors designing records systems and enterprise content management (ECM) solutions
- Auditors, consultants and trainers who need consistent terminology for policies, audits and documentation
Using ISO 30300 helps organizations avoid ambiguity in records policies, align records processes with legal and regulatory mandates, and ensure consistent communication between business, IT and compliance stakeholders.
Related elements and usage tips
- Refer to Annex A (concept diagrams) for visual mappings of relationships among terms.
- When a conflicting definition exists in an ISO/TC 46/SC 11 product, definitions in ISO 30300 take precedence until that product is revised.
- Use ISO 30300 alongside ISO 15489 and the Management Systems for Records series for applied guidance on implementing records management.
Keywords: ISO 30300, records management, vocabulary, core concepts, records system, records processes, records policy, terminology, ISO/TC 46/SC 11.