The challenge of managing electronic records in developing countries: Implications for records managers in sub Saharan Africa
Abstract
Purpose
Electronic records management is new to most records officers and archivists in contemporary sub Saharan Africa. It transformed the traditional mode of recordkeeping and brought with it some constraints which records managers have to contend with if they are to remain relevant in the information society. This paper aims to examine the background of these problems as well as the strategies for e‐records management in Africa.
Design/methodology/approach
Relevant literature on archives development in Africa, electronic records, information technology, and records management were reviewed and the author gathered much insight on electronic records management in a digital environment. These were applied to fortify the author's arguments.
Findings
The study shows that the major problems of e‐records management in Africa are administrative and the technically induced challenge and the benefits of managing hybrid records in Africa can only be realized if the appropriate infrastructures, workable legislation and regulatory frameworks, adequate finance, and competent ICT personnel are available.
Practical implications
Introducing technological solutions to e‐records management in Africa without first addressing those necessary preconditions would increase the vulnerability of public records and jeopardize public services in the continent.
Originality/value
The study highlights the potential problems and provides guidelines which information professionals and stakeholders in developing countries should adopt for successful implementation of e‐records management.
Keywords
Citation
Asogwa, B.E. (2012), "The challenge of managing electronic records in developing countries: Implications for records managers in sub Saharan Africa", Records Management Journal, Vol. 22 No. 3, pp. 198-211. https://doi.org/10.1108/09565691211283156
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2012, Emerald Group Publishing Limited