Digitization of archival materials: The case of national archives of Zambia

The article reviews the digitization project done at the National Archives of Zambia. The patrimony of the National Archives of Zambia is immense and of unquestionable historical relevance. However, it suffered from both a lack of exposure and from an outdated system of record keeping and consultation. While not many interested parties were able to access the materials directly, those who did contributed unwittingly to their gradual destruction: when associated with other external agents, physical consultation can be greatly detrimental. The article reveals that the objectives of the project were to safeguard and ensure the preservation of the most valuable and perishable components of the archival patrimony of the National Archives of Zambia; to render them more accessible and facilitate their future fruition by a broader number of researchers and interested parties; to enable a select group of the National Archives of Zambia’s members of staff to gain theoretical knowledge and practical experience in electronic records management and website design; and to enhance the national and international visibility of the National Archives of Zambia by increasing awareness of its holdings. The article discusses the activities that were undertaken to achieve each objective and the contribution made by external players. The article concludes by assessing the challenges posed by the project, the experience gained and lessons learnt.