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

Abstract

The article reviews the digitization project done at the NationalArchives of Zambia. The patrimony of the National Archives ofZambia is immense and of unquestionable historical relevance.However, it suffered from both a lack of exposure and from anoutdated system of record keeping and consultation. While not manyinterested parties were able to access the materials directly, thosewho did contributed unwittingly to their gradual destruction: whenassociated with other external agents, physical consultation can begreatly detrimental. The article reveals that the objectives of theproject were to safeguard and ensure the preservation of the mostvaluable and perishable components of the archival patrimony of theNational Archives of Zambia; to render them more accessible andfacilitate their future fruition by a broader number of researchers andinterested parties; to enable a select group of the National Archives ofZambia’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.

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