DIGITIZATION OF HISTORICAL INFORMATION AT THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES OF ZAMBIA: CRITICAL STRATEGIC REVIEW

Date
2012-06-14
Authors
Hamooya, Chrispin
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Abstract
The paper reviews the digitization project carried out at the National Archives of Zambia. The patrimony of the National Archives of Zambia is immense and of unquestionable historical relevance. However, it has suffered both from a lack of exposure and from an outdated system of record keeping and consultation. While not many interested parties were able to access materials directly, those who did contributed unwittingly to their gradual destruction: combined with other external agents, physical consultation can be greatly detrimental. This paper 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 use by a broader number of researchers and interested parties; to enable a select group of staff of the National Archives of Zambia 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 paper discusses the activities that were undertaken to achieve each objective and the contribution made by external players, and concludes by assessing the challenges posed by the project, the experience gained and lessons learnt.
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Keywords
Digitization, District Note books, National Archives of Zambia.
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