Search results

1 – 10 of over 169000
Open Access
Article
Publication date: 18 April 2024

Lungile Precious Luthuli and Mpho Ngoepe

Municipalities, as the front lines of service delivery, use websites as one of the tools to communicate information to the public. While it is considered a record, many…

Abstract

Purpose

Municipalities, as the front lines of service delivery, use websites as one of the tools to communicate information to the public. While it is considered a record, many organisations, including municipalities, do not manage websites as such. This study aims to explore the archiving of websites as records in the municipalities of KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Province in South Africa by using the web archiving life cycle model.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used a mixed-methods research with an explanatory design, with quantitative data collected first through content analysis of websites and qualitative data collected through interviews. Researchers used multilevel sampling, first quantitatively analysing all available websites of the municipalities (52) in KZN, and then qualitatively selecting only records managers, information managers, web administrators, communication managers and website managers or designers from municipalities because of their understanding and involvement with websites in some way.

Findings

This study established that some records on municipal websites are often in paper format in record-keeping systems, whereas others are born digital and are not captured in the systems. Municipalities lack a dedicated web online harvesting tool as well as an archiving policy or strategy to guide website archiving. Furthermore, municipalities placed a high reliance on service providers to keep their websites operational.

Research limitations/implications

It became clear during the interviews that most of the participants were unfamiliar with web archiving. As a result, only 12 of the 56 selected participants from the municipalities provided the required information in relation to the current study as others could not provide answers. Data for other participants were not analysed.

Originality/value

Due to a lack of infrastructure for ingesting digital records into archival custody, a framework for harvesting web content of value is proposed both internally in municipalities and externally to an archive repository.

Details

Collection and Curation, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2514-9326

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 2 April 2024

Koraljka Golub, Osma Suominen, Ahmed Taiye Mohammed, Harriet Aagaard and Olof Osterman

In order to estimate the value of semi-automated subject indexing in operative library catalogues, the study aimed to investigate five different automated implementations of an…

Abstract

Purpose

In order to estimate the value of semi-automated subject indexing in operative library catalogues, the study aimed to investigate five different automated implementations of an open source software package on a large set of Swedish union catalogue metadata records, with Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC) as the target classification system. It also aimed to contribute to the body of research on aboutness and related challenges in automated subject indexing and evaluation.

Design/methodology/approach

On a sample of over 230,000 records with close to 12,000 distinct DDC classes, an open source tool Annif, developed by the National Library of Finland, was applied in the following implementations: lexical algorithm, support vector classifier, fastText, Omikuji Bonsai and an ensemble approach combing the former four. A qualitative study involving two senior catalogue librarians and three students of library and information studies was also conducted to investigate the value and inter-rater agreement of automatically assigned classes, on a sample of 60 records.

Findings

The best results were achieved using the ensemble approach that achieved 66.82% accuracy on the three-digit DDC classification task. The qualitative study confirmed earlier studies reporting low inter-rater agreement but also pointed to the potential value of automatically assigned classes as additional access points in information retrieval.

Originality/value

The paper presents an extensive study of automated classification in an operative library catalogue, accompanied by a qualitative study of automated classes. It demonstrates the value of applying semi-automated indexing in operative information retrieval systems.

Details

Journal of Documentation, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0022-0418

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 7 February 2024

Nkholedzeni Sidney Netshakhuma

This paper aims to explore the role played by the National Archives of South Africa in human rights promotion and protection. The study examined the challenges that archivists…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the role played by the National Archives of South Africa in human rights promotion and protection. The study examined the challenges that archivists encounter when undertaking archival functions, such as acquisition, appraisal and access provision, that contribute to forming documentary archives crucial for human rights promotion and protection.

Design/methodology/approach

A review of literature dealing with acquisition, appraisal and access was used in this research. It was supplemented with interviews.

Findings

This paper provides recommendations of benefits in the field of archives management with a focus on the areas of acquisition, appraisal and access. The transformational discourse in the jurisdiction of archives management challenges archival institutions to be active players in selecting historical and cultural archives’ significance that is significant in human rights protections. However, despite judicial requirements that recommend the importance of archives, there is evidence that archival functions such as appraisal, acquisition and access are not being fully used, resulting in national archives institutions that are subject to irregularities that contribute to an unbalanced archives collection.

Research limitations/implications

The paper was limited only to the National Archives of South Africa.

Practical implications

The paper makes practical implications concerning the acquisition, appraisal and providing access to human rights records.

Social implications

Sufficient funding resource allocation ought to be provided to advance human rights promotion.

Originality/value

This paper offers informed recommendations to address the challenges of acquisition, appraisal and access provision of archive materials. The availability of archives materials reinforces the community by aiding to protect legal rights and prevent human rights violations. It was, thus, necessary to establish whether the National Archives of South Africa is actively building the archives collections that are important for human rights promotion and protection.

Details

Collection and Curation, vol. 43 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2514-9326

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 19 January 2024

Nkholedzeni Sidney Netshakhuma

This study aims to assess the role of the National Archives of South Africa (NARSSA) in promoting the preservation and management of private archives.

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to assess the role of the National Archives of South Africa (NARSSA) in promoting the preservation and management of private archives.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used the qualitative method, and data was collected through unstructured questionnaires and interviews. In addition, purposive sampling was used to collect data from the selected archivist.

Findings

The study found that the NARSSA raised awareness on the preservation of private archives and is also in the process of reviewing the National Archives and Records Service Act 43 of 1996 to promote the preservation and management of private archives. The study also revealed that the role of the NARSSA in enforcing compliance with Section 14 of the National Archives and Records Service Act 43 of 1996 for the proper management and coordination of private archives was ineffective because of a lack of coordination, infrastructure, training and development.

Research limitations/implications

The qualitative data was obtained from three participants with the NARSSA and two selected from private archives. The sample is small to generalise results. The public–private cooperation in archives management is limited, and this is proved by the severely limited number of participants in the research. Furthermore, the private archive in this study is limited to the liberation movement archives institutions in South Africa.

Practical implications

This study could work as a stimulus for potential approaches to conduct further research on the possible kinds of cooperation between private–public archival organisations.

Social implications

The study is innovative, in that there are very few research investigations that focused on the cooperation between private and public archives in the African region and especially in South Africa.

Originality/value

The article makes a significant contribution to the area of private–public archival organisations, especially in South Africa. It will expand the knowledge on private–public archive cooperation and management in South Africa and the rest of the African continent.

Details

Global Knowledge, Memory and Communication, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2514-9342

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 6 February 2024

Abdul Moid, M. Masoom Raza, Mohammad Javed and Keshwar Jahan

Records are current documents containing crucial personal, legal, financial and medical information, while archives house non-current documents with the same details. This study…

Abstract

Purpose

Records are current documents containing crucial personal, legal, financial and medical information, while archives house non-current documents with the same details. This study specifically aims to measure existing research in records and archives management with various scientific indicators.

Design/methodology/approach

Data extraction was conducted using the Web of Science, resulting in a data set of 2003 records for further analysis. Biblioshiny and VOSviewer have been used for mapping and visualization of the extracted data.

Findings

Managing and organizing this essential information is equally vital to maintaining records and archives. The findings encompass various aspects such as publications and citations, influential authors, source impact factors, relevant articles, affiliations, co-authorship trends across the top 10 countries and regions, references, publication year spectroscopy, keyword co-occurrence and historiography. The study concludes that medical records management prominently dominates the selected research area.

Originality/value

The study reflects the advancements in management systems and continues to emerge as research on the management of records and archives has gained significance.

Details

Global Knowledge, Memory and Communication, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2514-9342

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 October 1958

ROGER ELLIS

It has been observed that during their existence records pass through three stages: the current stage, the dormant stage, and the final stage when they are either destroyed as of…

Abstract

It has been observed that during their existence records pass through three stages: the current stage, the dormant stage, and the final stage when they are either destroyed as of no further value, or are set aside for permanent preservation. The records of business houses follow this course no less than others. The papers we have heard so far today have been concerned primarily with the earlier stages, and it will be my task, speaking as an archivist, to deal with the latter stages, with the problems which they pose and with the solutions which may (perhaps unexpectedly), be at hand.

Details

Aslib Proceedings, vol. 10 no. 10
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0001-253X

Article
Publication date: 1 January 1996

HEATHER WALKER

This study guide should start with an explanation of what I mean by filing systems. Whether one is referring to the filing of records on a shelf or the filing order of papers…

2546

Abstract

This study guide should start with an explanation of what I mean by filing systems. Whether one is referring to the filing of records on a shelf or the filing order of papers within a record, both are filing systems and both are organised differently. To cover filing systems in a comprehensive way, therefore, we not only have to discuss both of these systems but also the numbering and organisation of records or papers that allow them to be filed and retrieved. Drawing on examples from the health service, this study guide will cover the following topics: • numbering systems • filing within a record • methods of filing • filing of a record within a filing system • tracing records within the filing system It is important to emphasise the importance of a well organised and maintained filing systems without which many businesses and organisations could not function efficiently.

Details

Records Management Journal, vol. 6 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0956-5698

Article
Publication date: 1 August 2005

Justus Wamukoya and Stephen M. Mutula

This article aims to examine capacity building requirements for e‐records management in East and Southern Africa. It argues that e‐records management poses a number of problems

4306

Abstract

Purpose

This article aims to examine capacity building requirements for e‐records management in East and Southern Africa. It argues that e‐records management poses a number of problems and challenges that include but are not limited to: lack of skills and competencies, inadequate resources, lack of awareness among government authorities and records professionals, fragility of media and the need for specialized storage. The paper provides the current status of e‐records management in ESARBICA with emphasis on e‐records management capacity building. Last but not least, it proposes a number of strategies and solutions for the management of e‐records in ESARBICA.

Design/methodology/approach

This article is based on a literature review in general and desk research based on professional consultation and the experiences of the authors within the region.

Findings

Authors' findings indicate that there is a dearth of e‐records management skills and inadequate capacity in the ESARBICA member countries.

Research limitations/implications

The study was limited to ESARBICA member countries, whereas it would have been more inclusive if all the countries of East and Southern Africa were involved. More research is therefore needed to cover the rest of the region.

Practical implications

Effective e‐records management has the potential to improve service delivery and enhance accountability and transparency in government but only if requisite skills needs are met.

Originality/value

This is the first attempt to explore capacity‐building issues in East and Southern Africa in the area of e‐records management. However, it provides a generic model that can be replicated in similar research elsewhere.

Details

Records Management Journal, vol. 15 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0956-5698

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 12 June 2009

Ganesh Vednere

The purpose of this paper is to describe the challenges of implementing a records management system in an ever changing business, regulatory and operational landscape and to

2799

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe the challenges of implementing a records management system in an ever changing business, regulatory and operational landscape and to suggest remediation measures.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach is based on the author's experiences of implementing large scale enterprise‐wide content and records management systems. Practical advice is provided on key measures to be undertaken to mitigate the challenges of implementing records management systems.

Findings

The key findings highlight that records managers must have a deep understanding of the business/regulatory environment, technology landscape and the organizational culture. The challenge of managing records in multiple applications, different platforms and varying formats coupled with constantly changing business, regulatory and technology environments is not easy. By properly planning the design and development of the technology system, one can look forward to a well received used records management programme.

Practical implications

The paper describes the challenges facing records managers in implementing a technology solution and highlights key areas that records managers need to focus on during the implementation lifecycle and describe key lessons learnt.

Originality/value

The paper is beneficial to information and compliance managers who are looking to automate the task of records and information management by providing key considerations prior to and during the implementation of large scale enterprise wide technology systems. It provides valuable insight and key points that must be discussed by any implementation team prior to embarking upon a major records management systems initiative.

Details

Records Management Journal, vol. 19 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0956-5698

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 May 1994

Howard Falk

Perhaps you have a large database you would like to distribute, or you may want to archive materials in a computer‐read‐able form that will last for 70 to 100 years. These goals…

Abstract

Perhaps you have a large database you would like to distribute, or you may want to archive materials in a computer‐read‐able form that will last for 70 to 100 years. These goals are now within practical and affordable grasp, using personal computer‐based CD recording systems.

Details

The Electronic Library, vol. 12 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0264-0473

1 – 10 of over 169000