This study examines the role of records centres in relation to the management of public sector records in Kenya. It highlights the inadequacies of the Public Archives and…
Abstract
This study examines the role of records centres in relation to the management of public sector records in Kenya. It highlights the inadequacies of the Public Archives and Documentation Service Act (Cap 19) of 1965 as a tool to manage public sector records. The findings of the study are based on questionnaires which were distributed to provincial archivists in charge of records centres. One of the major findings of the study is that records centres have played a significant role in the management of public sector records. The study also addresses the various problems experienced by record creators in managing public sector records and notes that the resources availed to records centres are not commensurate with their growing responsibilities in records management. Among the recommendations are that the Public Archives Act should be revised, existing provincial records centres should be converted into provincial archives, staffing at both the professional and para‐professional levels should be improved and an attempt should be made to involve records creators in the management of records created within their organisations.
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The purpose of the paper is to present empirical research findings regarding the management of electronic records in selected ESARBICA member countries. It presents background…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of the paper is to present empirical research findings regarding the management of electronic records in selected ESARBICA member countries. It presents background information about ESARBICA and the current state of electronic records management in the region. The challenges posed by electronic records as reported in the literature and the capacity building initiatives and guidelines developed by archival institutions, professional organizations and universities for effective management of electronic records are presented. It proposes suggestions for further research.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper is based on a review of literature on electronic records and empirical studies dealing with management of electronic records in the ESARBICA region. The review of empirical research findings is based on selected countries in the ESARBICA region.
Findings
The empirical research findings indicate most countries in the ESARBICA region lack capacity and face various challenges in managing electronic records. These relate to: lack of policy and legislation, standardization, authenticity, capacity building, physical infrastructure and lack of awareness among recordkeeping professionals and government authorities on electronic records management issues.
Research limitations/implications
Although ESARBICA consists of 12 countries, the empirical research findings were limited to five countries (South Africa, Lesotho, Botswana, Namibia and Kenya) and selected Sub‐Saharan Africa countries. Further research will be conducted to establish the current state of electronic records management in the remaining seven ESARBICA member countries namely: Malawi, Mozambique, Swaziland, Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe and Zanzibar.
Practical implications
It is hoped that the paper will provide useful information and data to educators and trainers, researchers, students, practitioners, policy makers, civil society, and international development partners who have an interest regarding the challenges posed by electronic records and e‐government and governance strategy in ESARBICA region and Africa in general.
Originality/value
This paper supplements previous studies undertaken in the ESARBICA region regarding the management of electronic records. The empirical research findings would be of significance to record and archives management scholars/educators/consultants/researchers and students undertaking studies in management of records, including management of electronic records within and outside Africa.
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Henry N. Kemoni, Justus Wamukoya and Joseph Kiplang’at
The paper reviews literature on the obstacles that hinder the use of information held in archival institutions. First, it highlights the importance of records and archives as…
Abstract
The paper reviews literature on the obstacles that hinder the use of information held in archival institutions. First, it highlights the importance of records and archives as sources of information. Second, the paper examines the problems which hinder archival access, mainly focusing on those that are of a professional and technical nature. Third, it presents the components of a good archival programme to enhance the use of archival information. A summary of the key findings is given and the paper concludes by noting that archival institutions need to take certain measures in order to enhance the exploitation of information in their custody.
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This article seeks to answer one basic question: “Are archival institutions in the Eastern and Southern African region developing, stagnating or receding backwards?”
Abstract
Purpose
This article seeks to answer one basic question: “Are archival institutions in the Eastern and Southern African region developing, stagnating or receding backwards?”
Design/methodology/approach
This article reviews the state of archives and records management in the Eastern and Southern African region. It argues that many archival services in the region have gone through a period of retardation and are in dire need of revitalization.
Findings
The article indicates that the challenges of managing electronic records are enormous and that unless measures are taken the region stands to lose much of its valuable historical and cultural heritage.
Originality/value
The article suggests various ways of revitalizing archival services in the Eastern and Southern African region.