Pussadee Nonthacumjane and Jan Michael Nolin
This study aims to propose the four different typologies for understanding local information.
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to propose the four different typologies for understanding local information.
Design/methodology/approach
This study applied a conceptual approach to analyze and clarify how the concept local information can be understood in wildly different ways. Furthermore, this study employed conceptual analysis of 36 studies. For the conceptual analysis, coding was applied to formulate and abstract four typologies for understanding local information with specific focus on the Thai cultural heritage setting.
Findings
The four different typologies include local information as an array of different interpretations as diverse meanings of local, local information as cultural heritage, local information as subject of information management and situated local information.
Research limitations/implications
This study mainly focuses relevant typologies for understanding local information in the Thai context.
Originality/value
This study contributes and extends the literature in the local information field and the cultural heritage context. In addition, an eclectic strategy of using several alternative typologies for dealing with essentially contested concepts is suggested. This can be useful not only for supporting librarians working with local information but also in other practices dealing with broadly defined concepts.
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Mpubane Emanuel Matlala, Thandukwazi Richman Ncube and Steven Parbanath
This study aims to assess the status of the digital records preservation practices in the South African public sector at the national department level. It set out to establish to…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to assess the status of the digital records preservation practices in the South African public sector at the national department level. It set out to establish to what extent digital preservation policies have been implemented in South Africa’s public sector, to determine the related skills and competency of public sector staff, and to make any necessary recommendations of the basis of the results.
Design/methodology/approach
A content review of Southern Africa literature dealing with the preservation of digital records, its importance and related factors over the past 20 years was conducted.
Findings
The current state of preservation of South African digital records suggests serious consequences of existing knowledge and training gaps. Addressing those gaps may provide the knowledge needed to support new ways of working. Records management professionals in the South African public sector at the national department level are currently ill-equipped to adequately preserve digital records. This complicates the application of tools offered by the information and communication technologies that have resulted in increased creation of digital records.
Research limitations/implications
The study was limited to only the public sector of South Africa.
Practical implications
The study makes practical implications concerning the policy framework for improving the state of digital preservation in South Africa so as to ensure long-term preservation of digital records. For instance, government departments are recommended to formulate and implement in-house policy frameworks, guidelines and plans that address digital preservation of records.
Social implications
Sufficient funding and resource allocation ought to be provided to advance electronic records management programmes. In addition, the formulation of proper strategies needed to preserve digital records should incorporate technological tools and media software in the existing operations for the creation, capturing, appraising and preserving of digital records.
Originality/value
This study offers informed recommendations to address the challenges of preserving digital records in South Africa so that future losses may be avoided and allow readers to see changes over the 20-year period.