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Blockchain for Records Management: Article Review

Oluwatobi E. Lowen

Department of Information Technology, University of the Cumberlands

ITS 832: InfoTech in a Global Economy

Dr. Jordon Shaw

June 2, 2024
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Introduction

Bhatia et al. (2020) provide an exploration of the potential impact of blockchain

technology on records management and archival practices. The paper commences with a

comprehensive conceptual and technical overview of blockchain, explaining its key

characteristics, such as decentralized transaction record-keeping, consensus-based

transactions, and tamper-resistance. Understanding these fundamental aspects is crucial for

grasping how blockchain can transform records management.

Key Characteristics of Blockchain

1. Peer-to-Peer Networks: Blockchain operates on peer-to-peer networks, ensuring that all

participants (nodes) have access to the same information, thus eliminating the need for

a central authority.

2. Decentralized Transaction Record Keeping: Unlike traditional databases, blockchain

maintains records across a decentralized network, enhancing security and reducing the

risk of data tampering.

3. Consensus-Based Transactions: Transactions on a blockchain require validation by a

consensus mechanism, ensuring that the network agrees upon all recorded transactions.

4. Tamper Resistance: Once recorded, data on a blockchain is immutable. This feature is

particularly significant for maintaining the integrity and authenticity of records.

Components of a Blockchain

 The Block: A list of recorded transactions.

 The Chain: Transactions are recorded with a hash, linking preceding blocks with new

blocks.

 The Network: Consists of nodes, each containing all the transactions within the ledger.
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The article further categorizes blockchains into public, private, and permissioned,

highlighting differences in access and control mechanisms.

Ensuring Authenticity and Integrity of Digital Records

Blockchain can ensure the authenticity and integrity of digital records through several

mechanisms:

1. Hash Validation: Validating hashes to detect any changes or alterations.

2. Content-Aware Hashing: Identifying inconsistencies in visual and sound data over time.

3. Digital Signatures: Storing signatures and document hashes on the blockchain.

4. Smart Contracts: Automating and validating transactions to ensure record integrity.

The Shift from Centralized to Decentralized Records Management

The article emphasizes a significant paradigm shift from centralized to decentralized

records management models. Key aspects include:

1. Decentralized Trust: Blockchain eliminates the need for a central authority by distributing

trust across the network.

2. Distributed Network: Records are maintained across a network of nodes, enhancing

security and resilience.

3. Immutable Record-Keeping: Blockchain's tamper-resistant nature ensures records

cannot be altered without consensus.

4. Shift in Recordkeeping Assumptions: Records managers must adapt to the distributed

structure of blockchain, rethinking traditional approaches to record collection,

organization, and maintenance.

Addressing Records Management Implications

The article outlines several steps records managers need to take to address the

implications of blockchain technology:

1. Develop Blockchain-Specific Policies: Establish policies governing the management of

blockchain records.
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2. Ensure Blockchain Records Compliance: Implement systems to manage blockchain

records effectively.

3. Manage Blockchain Records Lifecycle: Determine recordkeeping requirements and

manage the entire lifecycle of blockchain records.

4. Address Decentralization Challenges: Adapt to the decentralized nature of blockchain.

5. Ensure Authenticity and Integrity: Leverage blockchain's record authentication and

integrity capabilities.

Challenges in Managing Blockchain Records

The article identifies several challenges in managing blockchain records in archival

settings:

1. Accessibility and Usability: Blockchain records may require specialized tools and

knowledge for access and interpretation.

2. Preservation and Longevity: Ensuring long-term preservation of blockchain records

amidst evolving technology.

3. Completeness and Comprehensiveness: Assessing the completeness of blockchain

records and determining appropriate archival boundaries.

4. Blockchain Characteristics: Managing the immutable and decentralized nature of

blockchain records.

5. Metadata and Context: Capturing and maintaining necessary metadata and contextual

information.

6. Regulatory and Legal Compliance: Ensuring regulation compliance and establishing

clear ownership and responsibilities.

7. Staffing and Expertise**: Developing new technical skills and collaborating with IT

professionals.

Substantiating Source
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A study by Al Mamun et al. (2022) explores the potential shift to blockchain technology in

managing health records specifically, and their submissions substantiate the findings of this

article. The authors discussed how blockchain technology can enhance trust in managing health

records through its immutable and decentralized nature. The study echoes the importance of

blockchain in ensuring record integrity and authenticity, aligning with the primary conclusions of

the article under review.

Conclusion

The article provides a thorough and insightful analysis of the impact of blockchain on

records management. Its discussion on the shift from centralized to decentralized models, the

mechanisms for ensuring record integrity, and the challenges in archival settings are well-

founded. However, including empirical evidence, case studies, and a deeper exploration of

emerging blockchain technologies would further strengthen the article. Additionally, addressing

user behavior and regulatory aspects would provide a more comprehensive overview of the

implications of blockchain technology in records management.

References

Al Mamun, A., Azam, S., & Gritti, C. (2022). Blockchain-based electronic health records

management: a comprehensive review and future research direction. IEEE Access, 10,

5768-5789.

Bhatia, S., Douglas, E. K., & Most, M. (2020). Blockchain and records management: disruptive

force or new approach?. Records Management Journal, 30(3), 277-286.