Changing Landscapes: The University Archive in a New South Africa

Abstract

This article explores both a redefinition of the role of the university archive in civil society and fresh perspectives on its changing role. The process of change in the university archives due to changes in societal landscapes is also presented. University archives in South Africa do not have a long history of existence, as they only started operating as separate divisions in most tertiary institutions in the late 60’s. At some universities they still function as a part of the university libraries. The experience of Wits University Archives is used as a case study to show its role in preserving history of this academic institution as well as its involvement in the preservation of national history. Wits Archives can be proud of being the oldest university archives in South Africa and also keeps very valuable and internationally known paper collections. Students and academics of this institution were always actively involved in shaping the university and also national history. During the last few years the focus of the student population has changed and therefore the role of archives and its approach towards these changes should also be different. The article addresses some of the important issues concerning the functioning of Wits University Archives and the strategies it has employed to move away from the traditional role as a pure keeper of University history.