The use of ICTs in the provision of access and reference services at the National Archives of Namibia

Abstract

This research aimed at investigating the use of ICTs in the provision of access and reference services at the National Archives of Namibia (NAN). The specific objectives were: to access the types of ICTs in the provision of access and reference services at the NAN; to find out the legal and regulatory framework that governs the use of ICTs at the NAN; to determine the benefits and the challenges of the use of ICTs at the NAN; and to come up with recommendations on how to enhance the use of ICTs at the NAN. A case study research design was employed and data was collected using interviews. The population was the staff at NAN and made use of non-probability sampling specifically judgement sampling to select 2 staff members to respond to interview questions. The data collected was analysed applying content analysis. The study revealed that the NAN had challenges of obsolete and lack of equipment, lack of staff training and expertise as well as challenge of maintaining users’ confidentiality and privacy when using ICTs. Some of the recommendations from this study are that the NAN should seek funding to secure up-to-date equipment and provide staff training in the use of ICTs.