Taking Aim at Archival Practice: An Analysis of Structural and Institutional Processes that Affect Preservation, Availability and Access to Literary Archives in Malawi

Abstract

In 2013, I traveled to the Khama III Memorial This paper examines archival practice in Malawi and demonstrates that the country has experienced a number of challenges pertaining to preservation and accessibility of literary archives. The country has a considerable collection of literary archives, for instance the huge volume of literary archives held by the family of the late Steve Chimombo that remains unexplored and uncatalogued at his home in Zomba. The Chimombo collection consists of the author's manuscripts and drafts of work both published and unpublished; diaries/ journals; copies of incoming and outgoing correspondence; historical material that documents the author's life such as photographs and family memorabilia; objects of significance like the special writer's desk. This collection is placed in boxes and cartons, filing cabinets, bookshelves, and drawers in his study room at his family home.