Assessment of the appraisal of records: Case of the University of Witwatersrand and the University of Venda
Aslib Journal of Information Management
ISSN: 2050-3806
Article publication date: 3 June 2020
Issue publication date: 12 November 2020
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to assess the appraisal of records at the University of Witwatersrand and the University of Venda. Furthermore, the study intends to recommend appraisal of records to recognize African culture, reviewing records management policy to include an element on the appraisal of records, raise awareness on the appraisal of records, capacity building and develop electronic records management strategy to appraise records.
Design/methodology/approach
This study is based on the qualitative research technique. The research approach is a multiple case study comparing the previously advantaged and disadvantaged universities in South Africa.
Findings
The study found that archives and records management legislation, archives and records management policy, re-appraisal of records, capacity building are essential for the appraisal of university records. Lack of appropriate appraisal theory and strategy by the University of Witwatersrand and the University of Venda leads to a loss of institutional memory.
Research limitations/implications
This research is limited to the University of Witwatersrand and the University of Venda. These two institutions are a sample of the state of archiving in South Africa.
Originality/value
There is very little, if any, research on the appraisal of South African universities' records. The outcome of this research will benefit universities that are seeking to develop and implement appraisal strategies.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
Acknowledge the University of Venda and the University of Witwatersrand research department to allowed me to collect data in their universities.
Citation
Netshakhuma, N.S. (2020), "Assessment of the appraisal of records: Case of the University of Witwatersrand and the University of Venda", Aslib Journal of Information Management, Vol. 72 No. 4, pp. 489-508. https://doi.org/10.1108/AJIM-02-2020-0043
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2020, Emerald Publishing Limited