Management of audio-visual records at the National Archives of Namibia

Abstract

The study sought to determine the role that the National Archives of Namibia plays in the management of audio visuals in an attempt to curtail the deterioration of audio-visual archives which are kept in various organisations, some of which are unknown to the National Archives of Namibia. A qualitative method was applied in the study. The case study used the interpretive paradigm which enabled the researcher to triangulate the data collection instruments. Interviews, questionnaires and observation checklists were used to collect data. Content analysis was carried out to analyse data from interviews, document review and the observations. While Excel software provided descriptive statistics on graphs. The results indicated that AV materials were created and stored by various organisations, including the National Archives of Namibia, which oversees the management of all records. The Archives Act (Act 12 of 1992), section 4(1), gives a mandate to the National Archives of Namibia for control over records and archives of all formats in government offices, offices of local authorities and statutory institutions. Nonetheless, there are instances where AV materials are not deposited or stored in appropriate conditions. It is also apparent that different cataloguing and classification systems are used by different organisations. It is clear that most of the organisations manage AV materials in the same way as paper formats records. There is also an inadequately skilled workforce who were given a responsibility to manage AV materials. The study was limited to the Khomas region. Since there are 14 regions in Namibia, the findings cannot be generalized to other regions. Future studies should cover other regions. The results point to the need for the National Archives of Namibia to adopt an integrated approach to the management of AV records. This will require the NAN to work in cooperation with public sector institutions and empower them to preserve AV materials while, at the same time, they continue to deposit copies with the National Archives of Namibia. Unlike previous studies on management of audio visual archives in Namibia, this study included other organisations. The results give a clear picture of the role the National Archives plays in the management of audio visual records and archives.