INSTITUTIONAL MEMORY AND PRESERVATION: A REGISTRY STAFF PERSPECTIVE FROM FUTA

Abstract

In today's age of information proliferation, the imperative to safeguard and manage information is more pressing than ever. Information managers are confronted with the formidable challenge of coping with the inundation of data and information management systems. Information, regardless of its format, is consistently acquired, processed, organized, stored, and disseminated through established hubs like libraries. However, over time, the need to preserve relevant documents that may not have immediate, pressing utility has emerged. Numerous organizations, including libraries, have made efforts to manage such resources. Nevertheless, with the rapid evolution of information technologies, a higher degree of professionalism is demanded in the storage and maintenance of these documents and resources, leading to the establishment of archives.

Cook (2016) offers a definition of archives as information media generated from within an organization. This definition underscores the possibility of designated areas for preserving information materials of lasting significance, which may be affiliated with institutional bodies. Archives, due to the nature of their activities, can also function independently, assuming supervisory roles over other information or records centers. These archives primarily serve as repositories for documents that contain information of enduring value. Essentially, collections within an archive narrate the events of the past, their impact on the present, and their potential implications for the future.

This study delves into the evolving landscape of archives and their pivotal role in the management of information. It explores the challenges posed by the deluge of data and the changing landscape of information technologies, emphasizing the need for enhanced professionalism in preserving and curating documents of long-term significance. Archives, as custodians of our historical record, play an instrumental role in shaping our understanding of the past, present, and future. Through an in-depth examination of archives and their functions, this research seeks to shed light on the evolving field of information management and the critical role archives play in preserving our collective memory