The information lifecycle

Information should be managed consistently from creation to final disposal. The lifecycle involves people, processes and technology and drives improved control over information as it moves through the various lifecycle stages described below.

The information lifecycle at UQ includes the following phases:  

1. Create, capture and classify
   Information may be obtained through several means including manual data entry and automatic capture via devices or systems. At the time information is acquired, key metadata should be recorded, including the information security classification.

   Find out which Information Security Classification you should apply

2. Store and secure  
   Information must be stored appropriately, with consideration given to security and access management. 

   Find where to store your files here

3. Manage and maintain 
   Information management is an active process. Information should be managed to maintain its integrity, quality and usability.

4. Share and reuse  
   Sharing and re-use of information requires oversight to ensure it is ethical and compliant with UQ policies and legislative requirements. Information should be discoverable to streamline sharing and re-use for appropriate activities.

5. Retain and archive  
   Information should be retained while required and archived in line with any relevant record retention periods.

6. Dispose or destroy  
   Dispose or destroy: Information should be destroyed in an appropriate manner at the end of its useful life, ensuring that records are destroyed (or transferred to the appropriate owner) in line with UQ’s Keeping Records at UQ Procedure and Destruction of Records Procedure.

Note that “Plan and Design” sits in the centre of the Information Lifecycle, as information management should be carefully planned, with activities designed to meet University needs and compliance requirements throughout the lifecycle.  

Information lifecycle management at UQ is coordinated across the University by the Information Technology Services (ITS) Division.