Framework to Infuse Data Science in the Archives and Records Management Curriculum in South Africa

Abstract

Current trends in technology dictate how archives and records management fraternity should take action to remain relevant in the industry. The mode of operation illustrates that current business strategies intend to go fully online without any physical records to be managed. Records practitioners are thus systematically becoming irrelevant and unemployable. This study sought to investigate a framework to infuse data science into archives and records management curriculum in South Africa. This qualitative study relied on literature review to explore a framework to infuse data science into the archives and records management curriculum in South Africa. The study discovered that archives and records management education is still lagging technology; this may result in candidates with impressive qualifications but dated knowledge and expertise. The study recommended an infusion of data science into the archives and records management curriculum, using the proposed framework to guide the process. It is hoped that this will enable institutions of higher learning to upskill students in line with the growth in technology and modus operandi.