Digital preservation in institutional repositories in Namibian academic libraries: A case study of the Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST) and the University of Namibia (UNAM)
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Date
2020
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Publisher
University of Namibia
Abstract
This study investigated long-term digital preservation activities in Institutional Repositories (IRs) digital contents at Namibian academic libraries (Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST) and University of Namibia (UNAM)). The study intended to determine the procedures and policies which are governing and safeguarding intellectual knowledge preserved within IRs; to ensure long-term future access as well as skills, support required and challenges encountered. A qualitative research approach with a semi-structured interview guide was used to collect data, an observation method was additionally used to gather data on IR digital preservation
policies at NUST and UNAM. The study’s population comprised of the NUST and UNAM officials, including IT support officials, librarians, faculty journal editors as well as the Research and Publication officers. A total number of 14 participants were
purposefully selected as key informants from NUST and UNAM.
The findings from this study revealed that, short-term preservation strategies such as conducting regular backups, system/software upgrades and maintenance as well as
using open file formats i.e. PDF are the main techniques used at NUST and UNAM. The study also discovered a significant lack of knowledge amongst staff members on the concept of long-term digital preservation. Furthermore, the study revealed that the
aspect of policies and guidelines has not received omprehensive attention at both institutions. Challenges such as lack of training and skills; lack of funds; lack of longterm preservation practices; and a lack of IR policies to safeguard long-term preservation were also identified. The study therefore concluded that the current measures established by NUST and UNAM will not guarantee long-term preservation and access to current stored digital content. The study further concluded that there is an urgent need for NUST and UNAM to immediately address the current challenges hampering long-term digital preservation
practices to ensure continuous access and preserve institution’s intellectual knowledge output. The study recommends comprehensive training and education on long-term
digital preservation for information professionals, it further recommend the two institutions to develop comprehensive IR policies and for them to explore various longterm digital preservation techniques to ensure future access to IR stored digital content.
Description
A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Arts (Library and Information Science)
Keywords
Digital preservation, Institutional repositories