A framework for massive online open course in archives and records management in Eswatini

Abstract

Archives and records management (ARM) education and training is advanced in developed world. However, in African countries such as Eswatini, where this study is resident, it is still at its infancy as only one institution (Institute of Development Management) offers an ARM programme at undergraduate diploma level. Despite the effort to expand the programme, the issue of qualified staff and facilities to foster the programme remains unsolved. This is compounded the lamentation by the beneficiary of the programme, the Eswatini National Archives (ENA). The ENA expects that the programme should address the public sector needs, which have resulted in poor governance and accountability structures within government ministries. This scenario has been attributed to the inadequate and appropriate comprehensive ARM curriculum in Eswatini higher education institutions (HEIs). The criticism from ENA suggests that ARM graduates are perceived as being inadequately prepared for their workplace environment. Considering this situation in Eswatini, this study proposes a framework for the inclusion of massive online open course (MOOC) as an alternative for ARM in HEIs in Eswatini.