Digital records curation education in Zambia

Abstract

Governments worldwide see digital transformation (digitalization) as an avenue for efficient and effective service provision. However, with digital transformation comes rapid generation of records in huge volumes and varying formats, leading to a drastic shift in the way in which records are managed and stored. In response to these developments, there is an urgent need to review the current records management curricula and pedagogy. This paper investigates digital records curation education in Zambia in order to determine the preparedness of the Zambian higher education institutions to produce records management professionals who are ready to work in the emerging digital and knowledge economy. Using qualitative research methods, particularly interviews and document analysis, the study revealed that digital records curation has not received adequate attention in Zambia. However, there is ongoing review of curricula to address digital records curation issues at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Numerous challenges affect digital records curation education in Zambia, including inadequate information and communication technology infrastructure (including computer laboratories), inadequate technical skills, disintegrated curricula and limited access to software packages for demonstration. Based on the findings and discussion, the following is recommended: curricula review based on a needs assessment of the required skills and knowledge set for digital curation, embark on capacity building among ARM educators, increase funding for the development of ICT infrastructure, standardise the ARM curriculum across institutions and monitor ARM training through ARM institutes.