The E-Mail Challenge: Managing a Tsunami

While e-mail is a valuable tool, too much of it can be a headache. As stewards of content, often including digital records, information professionals are being pulled into the development of solutions for managing the mountains of communications that are conveyed via e-mail. Some newer communication and sharing tools that are tailored to specific applications and user behaviors make the job of managing records and knowledge easier. They’re also poised to better handle some of the tasks previously facilitated by e-mail. This Briefing looks at some of those possible solutions and contains:

- An analysis of the role of e-mail and instant messaging in workplace communication;
- A table listing five common e-mail uses and possible alternative methods of communication;
- Four ideas for e-mail management solutions;
- Imperatives for information managers who are dealing with a deluge of e-mail.