Abstract
This article discusses the challenges faced by Botswana NationalArchives and Records Services (BNARS) in addressing its appraisalbacklog. The backlog is a result of a fragmented records managementsystem where the Department played a custodial role for semicurrentrecords and preservation of archival records. Management of current records was not in the control of BNARS, but rather lay with creating agencies. For various reasons no appraisal was done in these agencies resulting in accumulation of unappraised materials. The backlog of unappraised records presents challenges of denying access to information which, according to law should be availed. It also presents a space management problem as Records Centres and records management units get congested with ephemeral records. The Department initially struggled to make an impact on the backlog, but with the introduction of new initiatives and resources significant progress has been made. An assessment of attempts to resolve the backlog is made and lessons are drawn from that. The challenges presented relate to professional records management matters, the records management structure in the public sector, human resource issues and BNARS operational issues. Ongoing strategies and planned solutions addressing the challenges are also discussed.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
More From: ESARBICA Journal: Journal of the Eastern and Southern Africa Regional Branch of the International Council on Archives
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.