Advancing archives and records management professionals in Africa

Abstract

Purpose The advancement of a profession depends on factors such as firm education, training programmes and vibrant professional associations. The purpose of this study is to provide baseline information on archives and records management (ARM) professionals from Africa, including their views on education and training programmes. Related studies have been limited to investigating the experiences of graduates from a few institutions within a limited jurisdiction. Similar studies have not been conducted by African-based ARM associations. Design/methodology/approach This study’s survey approach was administered electronically. Two surveys explored themes through 10 research questions in three categories: background information; characteristics of the education; and types of courses and extent covered during the study. Findings The two surveys had 107 and 179 respondents, respectively, domiciled in 19 African countries. In both studies, about 75% of the respondents had an undergraduate- or master-level qualification. Between 69% and 87% of the respondents from the first and second surveys, respectively, had completed their educational programmes within their home countries. There was varied sentiment on the types of courses and level of coverage within their studies. Legal and technology aspects were less covered in the curriculum than core subjects. Originality/value To the best of the author’s knowledge, this study is the first with findings from ARM respondents across several African countries. It provides insight into the demographics and educational programmes. This study’s unique contribution provides baseline data for more detailed and nuanced studies that will explore data and investigate patterns within and among individual countries on the continent.

Soup du jour – existing and emerging trends in archives and records management standardization

“…The use of ontological representations facilitates examining functions executed throughout the entire lifespan of records, from their creation to long-term preservation (Michetti and Haufek, 2020). By adopting this approach, ARM professionals can comprehend the tasks and processes necessary for fulfilling their roles (Gänser and Michetti, 2018;Katuu, 2022). This Soup du jour approach goes beyond mere theoretical inquiry by addressing practical considerations and identifying potential deficiencies (Gänser, 2017).…”

Knowledge and skills for managing digital records at selected state universities in Zimbabwe

“…Katuu and Ngoepe (2017:21) bemoan that although the advent of digital records offers the opportunities of multiple access, instant transmission and efficient retrieval using multiple search criteria, such records have not always been managed effectively. Katuu and Ngoepe's (2017) assertion points to lack of knowledge and skills, and poor infrastructure in most organisations, including state universities. Other authors compounded that the problem of lack of knowledge and skills is attributed to the fact that very few institutions of higher learning offer training in records and archives.…”