The audio-visual archives in the Omani Radio and Television Library: Importance and Challenges of Digitization

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This study aims to identify the significance of Omani audiovisual cultural heritage housed within radio and television libraries, delineating its characteristics, potential benefits, and the challenges associated with its digitization from the perspective of users within the Ministry of Information. These users include officials, program preparers, directors, and media professionals. Employing a descriptive analytical approach, the study delves into the importance and various aspects of leveraging the audio library archive and the Omani television library archive. A questionnaire was utilized to discern its characteristics and assess its perceived benefits among officials, program preparers, directors, and media professionals. The study comprised 148 participants (111 males, 37 females). Additionally, several interviews were conducted with the information specialist at the Radio and Television Library and the digital platform (AIN) at the Ministry of Information to explore the challenges associated with digitizing the audiovisual cultural heritage. One of the key findings of the study is that the majority of participants (86.5%) recognize the social and cultural value of Omani audiovisual cultural heritage, with over half of them (52%) viewing the preservation of this heritage as a collective responsibility. This responsibility extends to government institutions, civil society organizations, international bodies, and citizens themselves. Among the significant challenges facing Omani heritage, as perceived by participants, is the insufficient budget allocation to support activities related to its preservation, digitization, and awareness-raising, alongside a shortage of experts in electronic archiving.