Long-term preservation of digital records at the University of KwaZulu-Natal archives

Abstract

The long-term preservation strategies used for digital records are significant in that they can ensure access to records and archives. This study examines the strategies used for the digital preservation of records at the University of KwaZulu-Natal Archives. It describes how care is taken in order to ensure that the various plans of action that are adopted are appropriate for the university archives. A qualitative research design with an interpretivist world view was used in this exploratory study. In this study, interviews, observations and document analysis were employed as data-gathering techniques. The research sample was purposively selected from members of the archivist staff at the university archives. Findings revealed that staff members had started a data preservation project; however, it became clear, that there was no decisive policy framework for the preservation of digital records for the UKZN Archives. Therefore, it is recommended that these issues be dealt with via the implementation of an Information Communication Technological (ICT) infrastructure and the devising of policies and strategies to help ensure the long-term preservation of digital records.