Can a university library manage an archives and a records centre? Weighing possibilities and impossibilities at Mzuzu University, Malawi

Abstract

Historically, the terms archives and record centres have been associated with keeping and preserving historical records. The roles of these institutions have always been different from those of libraries, be academic, public and school libraries. Much as archive, record centres, and libraries deal with information, the scope and functions are different. The major function of archives and record centre are to keep and preserve historical record for future use, and access to these records is commonly restrictive. Traditionally, libraries’ major functions are developing collection in response to the needs of users, and allow access to this information for free to a defined population of users or entire public. Libraries keep information that is current and relevant to ensure that users are appraised with new and current information trends for effective decision making. Despite the differences in scope and function between archives, record centres and libraries, there is no doubt that their roles intersect or overlap. It is against this background that this paper wants to find out if libraries can work as an archive and record centres. This study adopted a case study research design that targeted Archives in Mzuzu, library staff and the personnel working in the Registry (where a sizable amount of records are officially kept) at Mzuzu University. Data was collected through review of literature, use of questionnaires and interview. The study findings reveal that most activities that are done at Mzuzu University library are also done in archives and record centres. Secondly, Mzuzu University Library staff possess most skills and knowledge that archivists and managers have. However, Mzuzu University library lack environmental conditions to assume the role of archive and record centre. The study therefore concludes that despite similarity of activities and skills , Mzuzu University library should acquire necessary environmental conditions for archives and record centre in order to work as archives and record centres.