Efficacy of Culture Houses and Centres in the Acquisition, Preservation, and Dissemination of Indigenous Knowledge in Zimbabwe

Abstract

This chapter documents the role played by culture centres and houses in the acquisition, preservation and dissemination of indigenous knowledge (IK) in a digital era in Zimbabwe. It states the ethical issues involved when acquiring, preserving and disseminating IK in the digital era. A history of culture houses and centres was studied and a literature review of the role of culture centres was done. In Zimbabwe, it was noted that culture houses and centres do not have a web presence. However, there are challenges that are met by information specialists working in these culture houses and centres in the process of managing IK. These challenges are part of the ethical issues that should be considered in the production, access and use of IK. Recommendations have been put forward that would help culture houses and centres in their bid to manage IK in the digital era.