Information management (IM) is the process of collecting, storing, managing, and maintaining information in all its forms. It encompasses both personal information management and organizational information management. The goal of information management is to ensure that information is captured, stored, retrieved, and used in an appropriate and optimized manner.
For organizations, information management involves a cycle of activities, including acquisition, custodianship, distribution, and disposal of information. This cycle requires the involvement of various stakeholders, such as those responsible for assuring the quality, accessibility, and utility of acquired information, as well as those who need it for decision making.
Information management is closely related to the management of data, systems, technology, processes, and strategy. It is a discipline that directs and supports effective and efficient management of information in an organization.