Community Awareness for Archives in Tanzania: a Case Study of Zanzibar National Archives

Abstract

The study focuses on the assessment of community awareness and challenges facing Zanzibar National Archives (ZNA). The study utilised convenient sampling to collect data from the members of the public (93 respondents) in Stone Town in Zanzibar. Data were augmentedthrough interviews with the staff of the Zanzibar National Archives (10 respondents) and the general public from Zanzibar (93 respondents). Data were analyzed using thematic analysis and Microsoft excel. The findings indicate that the public has very little awareness about archives and its functions. At the same time the ZNA is facing a lot of challenges, including theft and lack of modern equipment for conservation purposes. The study recommends provision of education programs to the community, allocation of more funds for acquisition of modern conservation facilities, and staff training to ensure better management and conservation of the records in Zanzibar.