Examining the preservation and conservation of records at the Uganda National Records Center and Archives

Abstract

This study examined the preservation and conservation of records at the Uganda National Records Centre and Archives. Specifically, the research’s objectives were to examine the causes of deterioration of records at the Uganda National Records Centre and Archives, identify possible measures to be taken in order to control deterioration of records, identify the different techniques used in preservation and conservation of records at the national archives and also identify the challenges associated with preservation of records at the national records centre and archives.A case study research design was adopted and primary data relating to research objectives was collected using the triangulation method (comprising of a self-structured questionnaire, face-to-face interviews, participant observations, and secondary sources). Purposive sampling method was used and the study sample was selectedwhere five respondents took part in the study out of a target population of ten respondents. The major findings of the study revealed that the major causes of records deterioration were; air pollution, poor or mishandling of records by information users, biological agents such as mice and insects, acidity and sometimes light intensity. The measures taken to control records deterioration were minor repairs like; photocopying, binding, encapsulation. Regular fumigation and proper storage of different types of records was also carried out among others. Research findingsfurther revealedthat though preservation of records was carried out at a smaller extent, challenges such as insufficient resources in terms of skilled man power to carryout preservation work, obsolescence of some equipment to carryout out major repairs to affected records, failure of users to follow rules and regulations, un favorable government policies of supporting information centres in terms of funds and supplies, and absence of an implemented preservation policy and disaster plan to guide the staff in carrying out preservation work greatly hindered the preservation of records and information materials at the national archives. The study recommended the implementation of a preservation policy and disaster plan so as to mitigate disasters and control records deterioration, regular advertisement for available job opportunities so as to acquire skilled labour and create awareness about the mandate of the national archives.