Embedding digital preservation strategies in the management of institutional repositories in South Africa

Abstract

Institutional repositories (IRs) have received substantial consideration from various researchers across disciplines and around the world. Universities have considered prioritising the IR’s functionality by putting in place various measures to make IRs more efficient. This paper focuses on issues of institutional repositories and digital preservation in South Africa. The study drew from the secondary source of information in the African context and around the globe to have a sound argument that is more systematic towards IRs. The paper shows that in the past, various studies have focused on the field of preservation of cultural heritage in general. The gap identified by literature was that there was very little provision of reliable long-term digital repositories in Africa. The literature further revealed that most institutions of higher learning in South Africa are now migrating to have full implementation of digital preservation for their IRs. It is recommended that digital preservation strategies should be embedded in institutional repositories in South Africa.