Safeguarding Africa’s Cultural Heritage Through Digital Preservation

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine protection of Africa’s cultural heritage through digital preservation.

Design/methodology/approach: A mixed method consisting of survey and interview techniques were used to gather both quantitative and qualitative data from selected cultural heritage institutions and national agencies in Nigeria. A self administered questionnaire was used to collect data from Curators, Archivists, and Librarians. A total of sixty five staff from five different cultural heritage institutions participated in the survey. Heads of various libraries who were either Directors, Deputy Directors or Heads of Departments were selected to participate in the qualitative study because they are the decision makers in the various institutions. Data gathered were analysed using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis respectively.

Findings: Major findings of the study indicates that cultural institutions in Nigeria are yet to make serious effort towards digital preservation of cultural heritage. Some of the cultural heritage resources that had been digitally preserved were documents, oral history, folklores, artifacts, gazettes, newspapers, historical materials, and arts and crafts, Findings also revealed that majority of the respondents were willing to allow their digitized collections from their institutions form part of the UNESCO’s memory of the world. Although, few percentages of the respondents indicated otherwise. Further findings show that, the National Archives should take the lead in safeguarding Nigeria’s cultural heritage.

Implication: The implication of the study lies in its propensity towards propelling a wider global visibility for African culture. The paper therefore suggested for an aggressive move by information professionals and government in safeguarding Nigerian’s cultural heritage, and to establish websites that will make such resources visible for wider accessibility.

Originality / Value: The paper was able to go beyond the traditional preservation of information resources by recommending digital preservation of Nigeria’s cultural heritage for posterity. It further recommended for the need for cultural institutions in Nigeria to be more focused on digital preservation of cultural heritage.