This study aimed to assess the e-records guidance tools for record sharing at the Tanzania Public Service College in Tanzania. A credible methodology is presented, followed by a discussion about the phenomena underpinning the study. The study engaged a quantitative research design to collect, process and analyse data. The quantitative research design was used to collect basic descriptive statistical data on demographic characteristics, awareness of e-records guidance tools, usefulness of e-records guidance tools in sharing records and the factors affecting the application of e-records guidance tools in sharing e-records. The findings established that the majority (>50%) of the respondents were well informed of e-records guidance tools and agreed on the fact that guidance tools’ user-friendliness, trace procedures and user awareness positively affected access to and use of e-records guidance tools. However, the institutional developed procedures and regulations were applied to a high degree in the handling and sharing of e-records; although attention has to be critically recommended to the Tanzania National Archives on developing comprehensive e-records guidance tools to ensure effective e-records sharing practices.
{"title":"E-records guidance tools in records sharing at Tanzania Public Service College","authors":"Chiku M Chang’a, K. J. Mwilongo","doi":"10.4314/esarjo.v41i.5","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4314/esarjo.v41i.5","url":null,"abstract":"This study aimed to assess the e-records guidance tools for record sharing at the Tanzania Public Service College in Tanzania. A credible methodology is presented, followed by a discussion about the phenomena underpinning the study. The study engaged a quantitative research design to collect, process and analyse data. The quantitative research design was used to collect basic descriptive statistical data on demographic characteristics, awareness of e-records guidance tools, usefulness of e-records guidance tools in sharing records and the factors affecting the application of e-records guidance tools in sharing e-records. The findings established that the majority (>50%) of the respondents were well informed of e-records guidance tools and agreed on the fact that guidance tools’ user-friendliness, trace procedures and user awareness positively affected access to and use of e-records guidance tools. However, the institutional developed procedures and regulations were applied to a high degree in the handling and sharing of e-records; although attention has to be critically recommended to the Tanzania National Archives on developing comprehensive e-records guidance tools to ensure effective e-records sharing practices.","PeriodicalId":125371,"journal":{"name":"ESARBICA Journal: Journal of the Eastern and Southern Africa Regional Branch of the International Council on Archives","volume":"55 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-01-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"125098486","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
The onset of the Covid-19 pandemic and the resultant intervention measures disrupted and affected the normal operations of business and access to records and archives as information sources. The study sought to explore the impact of Covid-19 on the access to records and archives in the public sector during the pandemic, bearing in mind the disruptive and catalytic effects of the pandemic. Using a qualitative methodology, data were gathered through document studies, and interviews were conducted with records managers from 18 purposively selected organisations. The findings showed that organisations had not moved much towards e-records but depended heavily on paper records. The lockdown period witnessed misdirection and loss of records. Staff taking turns to report for duty also impacted negatively on records. This posed serious threats to proper records and archives management, making room for occurrences such as destruction or alterations by unscrupulous individuals. The study concluded that the pandemic triggered a sense of urgency in the formulation of policies and procedures that promoted remote access. The study recommended that business should always be prepared to deal with disruptive tendencies of pandemics and any other eventuality giving records and archives management great consideration in business continuity plans. Access to records and archives should not be disrupted, as has been the case throughout the pandemic. Organisations should digitise their records and archives to avoid disruptions of service delivery and decision-making during lockdowns.
{"title":"Covid-19, a catalyst or disruptor? comprehending access to records and archives under the new normal","authors":"Simbarashe Manyika, Peterson Dewah","doi":"10.4314/esarjo.v41i.4","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4314/esarjo.v41i.4","url":null,"abstract":"The onset of the Covid-19 pandemic and the resultant intervention measures disrupted and affected the normal operations of business and access to records and archives as information sources. The study sought to explore the impact of Covid-19 on the access to records and archives in the public sector during the pandemic, bearing in mind the disruptive and catalytic effects of the pandemic. Using a qualitative methodology, data were gathered through document studies, and interviews were conducted with records managers from 18 purposively selected organisations. The findings showed that organisations had not moved much towards e-records but depended heavily on paper records. The lockdown period witnessed misdirection and loss of records. Staff taking turns to report for duty also impacted negatively on records. This posed serious threats to proper records and archives management, making room for occurrences such as destruction or alterations by unscrupulous individuals. The study concluded that the pandemic triggered a sense of urgency in the formulation of policies and procedures that promoted remote access. The study recommended that business should always be prepared to deal with disruptive tendencies of pandemics and any other eventuality giving records and archives management great consideration in business continuity plans. Access to records and archives should not be disrupted, as has been the case throughout the pandemic. Organisations should digitise their records and archives to avoid disruptions of service delivery and decision-making during lockdowns.","PeriodicalId":125371,"journal":{"name":"ESARBICA Journal: Journal of the Eastern and Southern Africa Regional Branch of the International Council on Archives","volume":"54 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-01-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"133959728","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Many public sector organisations are struggling to properly manage their electronic records. The effective management of such records and their accessibility is crucial for the functioning of the public sector and provides citizens with evidence of that functioning. Recently, numerous public sector organisations have adopted newly developed technological tools to manage records, while some departments are still in the process of gradually introducing these. Electronic records are created through various information systems in government organisations but for them to be of full advantage in the realm of governance, they need to be carefully managed. Public sector organisations are positioning themselves to do just that by applying innovative mechanisms to deal with their records. An electronic records management system is expected to provide an integrated, efficient management of the records produced and stored in contemporary organisations. However, it is not a silver bullet to fix all issues, and proper management of electronic records continues to be a challenge due to a lack of sufficient skills, relevant policies, procedures, and standards, as well as a lack of knowledge in South Africa on how to utilise modern technologies to deal with the storage of public records. The present study aimed to identify challenges related to the management of electronic records in the South African public sector and to suggest strategies for resolving them. The study was based on a qualitative approach and applied the content analysis of relevant literature to identify gaps and suggest solutions. The study established that the government departments under investigation still lacked the requisite tools such as policies, standards, guidelines, adequate technological infrastructure, and that there was also a lack of sufficient funding and skills and competencies to effectively deal with electronic records. Hence, the study recommends more collaborative efforts to urgently address shortcomings to curb the continuous loss of invaluable electronic records that could ensure accountability, transparency, informed decision-making, and improved service delivery.
{"title":"Management of electronic records in the South African public sector","authors":"M. Matlala, Asania Reneilwe Maphoto","doi":"10.4314/esarjo.v41i.6","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4314/esarjo.v41i.6","url":null,"abstract":"Many public sector organisations are struggling to properly manage their electronic records. The effective management of such records and their accessibility is crucial for the functioning of the public sector and provides citizens with evidence of that functioning. Recently, numerous public sector organisations have adopted newly developed technological tools to manage records, while some departments are still in the process of gradually introducing these. Electronic records are created through various information systems in government organisations but for them to be of full advantage in the realm of governance, they need to be carefully managed. Public sector organisations are positioning themselves to do just that by applying innovative mechanisms to deal with their records. An electronic records management system is expected to provide an integrated, efficient management of the records produced and stored in contemporary organisations. However, it is not a silver bullet to fix all issues, and proper management of electronic records continues to be a challenge due to a lack of sufficient skills, relevant policies, procedures, and standards, as well as a lack of knowledge in South Africa on how to utilise modern technologies to deal with the storage of public records. The present study aimed to identify challenges related to the management of electronic records in the South African public sector and to suggest strategies for resolving them. The study was based on a qualitative approach and applied the content analysis of relevant literature to identify gaps and suggest solutions. The study established that the government departments under investigation still lacked the requisite tools such as policies, standards, guidelines, adequate technological infrastructure, and that there was also a lack of sufficient funding and skills and competencies to effectively deal with electronic records. Hence, the study recommends more collaborative efforts to urgently address shortcomings to curb the continuous loss of invaluable electronic records that could ensure accountability, transparency, informed decision-making, and improved service delivery.","PeriodicalId":125371,"journal":{"name":"ESARBICA Journal: Journal of the Eastern and Southern Africa Regional Branch of the International Council on Archives","volume":"124 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-01-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"122109665","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Sports in South Africa have evolved into an arena for self-discovery, a place of self-revelation. Through sports, particularly athletics, heroes emerged who not only achieved for themselves and their communities, but also served as golden bulbs, flickering lights of hope, inspiration, and motivation to the community. Despite the heroic roles played by athletes, sporting memories of unique and gallant characters remain self-stored, exposed to all natural disasters such as loss, rapid deterioration, inaccessibility, thus turning into golden bulbs covered in a black cloth. This qualitative study adopted oral testimony triangulated with content analysis to explore the memories of undocumented athletics heroes in South Africa. Snowball sampling was adopted to help locate historically excluded athletics heroes and sheroes. The study revealed that athletes' houses have been transformed into museums encompassing all of their running memories, displayed all over their living rooms, with only a few athletes overseeing forgotten historical memories of most legendary runners and, in some cases, without specialised handling, compounded by the fact that these archival memories are only accessible to those fortunate enough to be close to these legendary runners. The study recommends that these memories be included in the national archival system so that they can be accessed by the public, as a large portion of athletes' historical memories are unaccounted for and thus inaccessible.
{"title":"Golden bulb covered with a dark cloth: memories of undocumented athletes in South Africa","authors":"Joseph Matshotshwane, M. Ngoepe","doi":"10.4314/esarjo.v41i.1","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4314/esarjo.v41i.1","url":null,"abstract":"Sports in South Africa have evolved into an arena for self-discovery, a place of self-revelation. Through sports, particularly athletics, heroes emerged who not only achieved for themselves and their communities, but also served as golden bulbs, flickering lights of hope, inspiration, and motivation to the community. Despite the heroic roles played by athletes, sporting memories of unique and gallant characters remain self-stored, exposed to all natural disasters such as loss, rapid deterioration, inaccessibility, thus turning into golden bulbs covered in a black cloth. This qualitative study adopted oral testimony triangulated with content analysis to explore the memories of undocumented athletics heroes in South Africa. Snowball sampling was adopted to help locate historically excluded athletics heroes and sheroes. The study revealed that athletes' houses have been transformed into museums encompassing all of their running memories, displayed all over their living rooms, with only a few athletes overseeing forgotten historical memories of most legendary runners and, in some cases, without specialised handling, compounded by the fact that these archival memories are only accessible to those fortunate enough to be close to these legendary runners. The study recommends that these memories be included in the national archival system so that they can be accessed by the public, as a large portion of athletes' historical memories are unaccounted for and thus inaccessible.","PeriodicalId":125371,"journal":{"name":"ESARBICA Journal: Journal of the Eastern and Southern Africa Regional Branch of the International Council on Archives","volume":"30 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-01-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"116855095","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
This study investigated the challenges and prospects of creating and storing records in the cloud by Zimbabwe Open University in Zimbabwe. Like other universities in Zimbabwe, the university adopted Education 5.0 advocated by the government in 2019. Consequently, the university came up with innovation hubs and industrial parks that became centres for records creation. Keeping all records in the computer without appropriate backups and servers has consequences such as losing vital records. Organisations around the world use cloud computing increasingly to address records storage and disposal. Adoption of cloud computing services carries with it cost implications, and legal and ownership challenges as the virtualised environments are hosted and managed by third parties. The objective of this study was to examine the management, operational, legal and technical issues surrounding the storage of records in the cloud, and the implications for their trustworthiness and authenticity. The study adopted a qualitative research design and drew data from interviews with key participants. Qualitative data were organised into broad themes and the content reported in narrative form. The study found that Zimbabwe Open University is not using cloud computing services effectively and is in the trial phase of cloud computing. It further found that there was a lack of collaboration between the information and communication technology and the records management units as the university decided to move to the cloud on a full-scale basis. The study recommends that the university should first address the management, operational, legal and technical issues surrounding the storage of records in the cloud before implementing the complete use of the cloud. The study deepens the understanding of cloud computing in the management of records at the university, and other state universities in Zimbabwe can use this study to deal with the management of records in the cloud.
{"title":"Creation and storage of records in the cloud by Zimbabwe Open University","authors":"Godfrey Tsvuura, Kudzai D Mbawuya, P. Ngulube","doi":"10.4314/esarjo.v40i1.1","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4314/esarjo.v40i1.1","url":null,"abstract":"This study investigated the challenges and prospects of creating and storing records in the cloud by Zimbabwe Open University in Zimbabwe. Like other universities in Zimbabwe, the university adopted Education 5.0 advocated by the government in 2019. Consequently, the university came up with innovation hubs and industrial parks that became centres for records creation. Keeping all records in the computer without appropriate backups and servers has consequences such as losing vital records. Organisations around the world use cloud computing increasingly to address records storage and disposal. Adoption of cloud computing services carries with it cost implications, and legal and ownership challenges as the virtualised environments are hosted and managed by third parties. The objective of this study was to examine the management, operational, legal and technical issues surrounding the storage of records in the cloud, and the implications for their trustworthiness and authenticity. The study adopted a qualitative research design and drew data from interviews with key participants. Qualitative data were organised into broad themes and the content reported in narrative form. The study found that Zimbabwe Open University is not using cloud computing services effectively and is in the trial phase of cloud computing. It further found that there was a lack of collaboration between the information and communication technology and the records management units as the university decided to move to the cloud on a full-scale basis. The study recommends that the university should first address the management, operational, legal and technical issues surrounding the storage of records in the cloud before implementing the complete use of the cloud. The study deepens the understanding of cloud computing in the management of records at the university, and other state universities in Zimbabwe can use this study to deal with the management of records in the cloud.","PeriodicalId":125371,"journal":{"name":"ESARBICA Journal: Journal of the Eastern and Southern Africa Regional Branch of the International Council on Archives","volume":"1 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2021-11-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"129107680","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Governments all over the world are using information and communication technologies (ICTs) to enable the delivery of their programmes more effectively and efficiently and to increase the participation of the citizens in their governance through their e-government initiatives. The main purpose of this study was to explore issues of access to electronic case files at the Gaborone Magisterial District. Since 2005, the Department of Administration of Justice (AOJ) in Botswana has implemented an electronic Court Records Management System (CRMS) to manage case file records at the high courts and magistrates’ courts of Botswana as one of the government’s public sector reforms to improve service delivery at the courts. This study used both the quantitative and qualitative approaches with data collected through a questionnaire, document review, interviews with respondents and observation of respondents at the Gaborone Magisterial District as well as at justice stakeholders, which are Department of Public Prosecutions and the Department of Prisons and Rehabilitation. The questionnaire was supplemented with interviews. The study used the Records Continuum Model as lens to examine how electronic case files were used and accessed through the CRMS. The findings of the study revealed inadequate legislation on the management of electronic case files in Botswana. Challenges such as network disruptions, shortage of computers, resistance to change, training and a lack of commitment by staff affected access to court records on the CRMS. The study also established that access to electronic case files was limited to court personnel only. The study recommends the adoption of relevant policies and the provision of adequate infrastructure and remote access to electronic court records by the public and other stakeholders in the justice system in Botswana. Failure to provide online access to court records goes against the spirit of the Botswana National ICT policy and the National Vision 2036, which advocates for digital access to information and community access through the use of ICTs.
{"title":"Access to electronic court records in Botswana","authors":"T. Mosweu","doi":"10.4314/esarjo.v40i.7","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4314/esarjo.v40i.7","url":null,"abstract":"Governments all over the world are using information and communication technologies (ICTs) to enable the delivery of their programmes more effectively and efficiently and to increase the participation of the citizens in their governance through their e-government initiatives. The main purpose of this study was to explore issues of access to electronic case files at the Gaborone Magisterial District. Since 2005, the Department of Administration of Justice (AOJ) in Botswana has implemented an electronic Court Records Management System (CRMS) to manage case file records at the high courts and magistrates’ courts of Botswana as one of the government’s public sector reforms to improve service delivery at the courts. This study used both the quantitative and qualitative approaches with data collected through a questionnaire, document review, interviews with respondents and observation of respondents at the Gaborone Magisterial District as well as at justice stakeholders, which are Department of Public Prosecutions and the Department of Prisons and Rehabilitation. The questionnaire was supplemented with interviews. The study used the Records Continuum Model as lens to examine how electronic case files were used and accessed through the CRMS. The findings of the study revealed inadequate legislation on the management of electronic case files in Botswana. Challenges such as network disruptions, shortage of computers, resistance to change, training and a lack of commitment by staff affected access to court records on the CRMS. The study also established that access to electronic case files was limited to court personnel only. The study recommends the adoption of relevant policies and the provision of adequate infrastructure and remote access to electronic court records by the public and other stakeholders in the justice system in Botswana. Failure to provide online access to court records goes against the spirit of the Botswana National ICT policy and the National Vision 2036, which advocates for digital access to information and community access through the use of ICTs.","PeriodicalId":125371,"journal":{"name":"ESARBICA Journal: Journal of the Eastern and Southern Africa Regional Branch of the International Council on Archives","volume":"16 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2021-11-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"134282178","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
South Africa is one of the few countries in Africa that has a running oral history association. In some countries, especially in southern Africa, these oral history associations have arisen and then died a natural death. For example, Oral Traditions Association of Zimbabwe (OTAZI) did not last long. Therefore, it is a positive development for South Africa to have a functioning oral history association. The Oral History Association of South Africa (OHASA) is the brainchild of the government and is mainly funded by the government. It is involved in the coordination and documentation of stories that were silent during the apartheid era. Therefore, with this highly perceived task it is necessary to critically evaluate its successes and failures in meeting the objectives of the National Oral History Programme (NOHP). This paper, through document analysis and purposively selected interviews, critically evaluates the achievements and shortcomings of the OHASA from its inception to present with the aim of proposing a ‘working’ model which involves the setting up of a monitoring and evaluating system. The paper concludes that although OHASA unveiled the muted marginalised voices, it soral history programme demonstrate elitism in critical emancipatory as mostly the stories of the elites are covered. Furthermore, such recorded stories are not accessible as the recordings are stashed in the boxes in archives repositories.
{"title":"A forgotten past is the past that is yet to be","authors":"Sindiso Bhebhe, M. Ngoepe","doi":"10.4314/esarjo.v40i1.5","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4314/esarjo.v40i1.5","url":null,"abstract":"South Africa is one of the few countries in Africa that has a running oral history association. In some countries, especially in southern Africa, these oral history associations have arisen and then died a natural death. For example, Oral Traditions Association of Zimbabwe (OTAZI) did not last long. Therefore, it is a positive development for South Africa to have a functioning oral history association. The Oral History Association of South Africa (OHASA) is the brainchild of the government and is mainly funded by the government. It is involved in the coordination and documentation of stories that were silent during the apartheid era. Therefore, with this highly perceived task it is necessary to critically evaluate its successes and failures in meeting the objectives of the National Oral History Programme (NOHP). This paper, through document analysis and purposively selected interviews, critically evaluates the achievements and shortcomings of the OHASA from its inception to present with the aim of proposing a ‘working’ model which involves the setting up of a monitoring and evaluating system. The paper concludes that although OHASA unveiled the muted marginalised voices, it soral history programme demonstrate elitism in critical emancipatory as mostly the stories of the elites are covered. Furthermore, such recorded stories are not accessible as the recordings are stashed in the boxes in archives repositories.","PeriodicalId":125371,"journal":{"name":"ESARBICA Journal: Journal of the Eastern and Southern Africa Regional Branch of the International Council on Archives","volume":"53 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2021-11-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"114555484","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
This paper seeks to bring to light the contemporary landscape of digital technology at the National Archives of Zimbabwe (NAZ) and its move towards the provision of access and awareness of its historical collections through technology. The institution has geared towards opening its doors to the public through outreach programmes; public exhibitions; websites; oral history projects; publications and broadcasting archives with changing circumstances. The ideology of taking the archives to the citizens has paved way for outreach archivists to do the right thing, in line with their obligations to provide access to information. The National Archives of Zimbabwe, like any other archive, preserves records that have been selected for permanent preservation because of their historical and enduring value. The paper explores the challenges faced by the public archivist in the management of traditional and analogue archives and the subsequent need for transition to digital technologies. The adoption of digital technologies in the management of public archives will enable the public archivists to provide faster and easier access to the archival materials. Digital technologies enhance information sharing and reduce redundancy of the collections. The researchers used a qualitative case study methodology with an interpretivist perspective where the main focus of the research was on the NAZ’s Public Archive. Interviews, document analysis and observations were used as the major data collecting methods. The results showed that the institution had made a good start, encouraging progress and was still working on the migration from analogue technology to full adoption of digital technology.
{"title":"Transition from analogue to digital at the National Archives of Zimbabwe","authors":"Amos Bishi, A. Rodrigues","doi":"10.4314/esarjo.v40i1.2","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4314/esarjo.v40i1.2","url":null,"abstract":"This paper seeks to bring to light the contemporary landscape of digital technology at the National Archives of Zimbabwe (NAZ) and its move towards the provision of access and awareness of its historical collections through technology. The institution has geared towards opening its doors to the public through outreach programmes; public exhibitions; websites; oral history projects; publications and broadcasting archives with changing circumstances. The ideology of taking the archives to the citizens has paved way for outreach archivists to do the right thing, in line with their obligations to provide access to information. The National Archives of Zimbabwe, like any other archive, preserves records that have been selected for permanent preservation because of their historical and enduring value. The paper explores the challenges faced by the public archivist in the management of traditional and analogue archives and the subsequent need for transition to digital technologies. The adoption of digital technologies in the management of public archives will enable the public archivists to provide faster and easier access to the archival materials. Digital technologies enhance information sharing and reduce redundancy of the collections. The researchers used a qualitative case study methodology with an interpretivist perspective where the main focus of the research was on the NAZ’s Public Archive. Interviews, document analysis and observations were used as the major data collecting methods. The results showed that the institution had made a good start, encouraging progress and was still working on the migration from analogue technology to full adoption of digital technology.","PeriodicalId":125371,"journal":{"name":"ESARBICA Journal: Journal of the Eastern and Southern Africa Regional Branch of the International Council on Archives","volume":"09 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2021-11-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"123448342","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Felesia Mulauzi, Phiri Bwalya, Chishimba Soko, Vincent Njobvu, Jane Katema, Felix Silungwe
Audio-visual records and archives constitute a fundamental heritage that satisfies multiple needs, including education, training, research and entertainment. As such, there is a need to appropriately preserve and conserve them so they can be accessed for as long as they are needed. In spite of their significant role in safeguarding cultural heritage, audio-visual records and archives, are often neglected and accorded less attention than paper-based records, especially in developing countries. Hence, there is a risk of losing information held in audio-visual form. That is why this study looked at how the National Archives of Zambia (NAZ) and the Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation (ZNBC) preserve audio-visual materials to ensure long-term accessibility of the information. The study investigated the types of audio-visual collections held, the storage equipment used, measures put in place to ensure long-term accessibility of audio-visual materials, the disaster preparedness plans in place to safeguard audio-visual archives and the major challenges encountered in the preservation of audio-visual materials. The findings of the study revealed that films (microfilm and microfiche), photographs and manuscripts, and video (video tapes) and sound recordings (compact cassette) constitute the biggest audio-visual collection preserved. The equipment used to store audio-visual materials included open shelves, specialised cabinets, electronic database for digitised materials, aisle mobiles and cupboards. The measures taken to ensure the long-term accessibility of audio-visual collection included digitisation and migration of endangered records and archives; fumigation of storage areas; conservation of damaged materials and regulation of temperatures and humidity in the storage areas. The disaster preparedness plans in place mostly covered structure insurance; protection against fire and water by way of installing fire extinguishers; smoke sensors; fire detectors and construction of purpose-built structures. The major challenges faced were financial constraints; technological obsolescence; lack of playback equipment; limited training; lack of strong back-up systems and inadequate storage facilities.
{"title":"Preservation of audio-visual archives in Zambia","authors":"Felesia Mulauzi, Phiri Bwalya, Chishimba Soko, Vincent Njobvu, Jane Katema, Felix Silungwe","doi":"10.4314/esarjo.v40i.4","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4314/esarjo.v40i.4","url":null,"abstract":"Audio-visual records and archives constitute a fundamental heritage that satisfies multiple needs, including education, training, research and entertainment. As such, there is a need to appropriately preserve and conserve them so they can be accessed for as long as they are needed. In spite of their significant role in safeguarding cultural heritage, audio-visual records and archives, are often neglected and accorded less attention than paper-based records, especially in developing countries. Hence, there is a risk of losing information held in audio-visual form. That is why this study looked at how the National Archives of Zambia (NAZ) and the Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation (ZNBC) preserve audio-visual materials to ensure long-term accessibility of the information. The study investigated the types of audio-visual collections held, the storage equipment used, measures put in place to ensure long-term accessibility of audio-visual materials, the disaster preparedness plans in place to safeguard audio-visual archives and the major challenges encountered in the preservation of audio-visual materials. The findings of the study revealed that films (microfilm and microfiche), photographs and manuscripts, and video (video tapes) and sound recordings (compact cassette) constitute the biggest audio-visual collection preserved. The equipment used to store audio-visual materials included open shelves, specialised cabinets, electronic database for digitised materials, aisle mobiles and cupboards. The measures taken to ensure the long-term accessibility of audio-visual collection included digitisation and migration of endangered records and archives; fumigation of storage areas; conservation of damaged materials and regulation of temperatures and humidity in the storage areas. The disaster preparedness plans in place mostly covered structure insurance; protection against fire and water by way of installing fire extinguishers; smoke sensors; fire detectors and construction of purpose-built structures. The major challenges faced were financial constraints; technological obsolescence; lack of playback equipment; limited training; lack of strong back-up systems and inadequate storage facilities.","PeriodicalId":125371,"journal":{"name":"ESARBICA Journal: Journal of the Eastern and Southern Africa Regional Branch of the International Council on Archives","volume":"44 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2021-11-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"134397665","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
This paper is a synopsis of the findings of a PhD Degree in Information Science that sought to develop the archives and records management framework by using the University of Venda and the University of the Witwatersrand for comparison. The study sought to assess the state of archives and records management at selected universities. The study was based on the records lifecycle model and the findings indicated that poor archives and records management programmes at universities have been a source of risk exposure leading to inefficiency in business processes. The results revealed a significant lack of alignment of archives and records management programme with business processes. The study recommends the adoption of Archives and records management framework.
{"title":"Alignment of archives and records management to the business processes","authors":"Sidney Netshakhuma, M. Makhura","doi":"10.4314/esarjo.v40i.3","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4314/esarjo.v40i.3","url":null,"abstract":"This paper is a synopsis of the findings of a PhD Degree in Information Science that sought to develop the archives and records management framework by using the University of Venda and the University of the Witwatersrand for comparison. The study sought to assess the state of archives and records management at selected universities. The study was based on the records lifecycle model and the findings indicated that poor archives and records management programmes at universities have been a source of risk exposure leading to inefficiency in business processes. The results revealed a significant lack of alignment of archives and records management programme with business processes. The study recommends the adoption of Archives and records management framework.","PeriodicalId":125371,"journal":{"name":"ESARBICA Journal: Journal of the Eastern and Southern Africa Regional Branch of the International Council on Archives","volume":"3 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2021-11-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"131786284","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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