User perspectives on the provision of virtual archives in the Western Cape archives and records service
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Date
2023
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of the Western Cape
Abstract
In the digital era, archival records/resources in physical formats have been made available to a larger audience and received much more usage as a result of digitisation and remote accessibility. The use of technology allows for archives to be accessed by users everywhere and at any time in different systems and formats. The Western Cape Archives and Records Service has faced various challenges to preservation and access to print records, namely damage due to frequent use, poor handling, and space shortage to accept archival records from governmental bodies which negatively impacts on access to archival heritage of the province. This descriptive case study aimed to investigate user expectations and perspectives on the provision of a virtual archive by the Western Cape Archives and Records Service. Expectation Confirmation Theory (ECT) was used to anchor the study which enquired into whether the expectation and perceived level of satisfaction from a virtual archive system can be met fully or not. A case study survey was conducted among researchers who use resources at the Western Cape Archive and Records Service and academics who are also users of the archival resources. The latter was included in the study to confirm the study findings since digital archive systems are already in use in their organisation.
Description
Masters of Art
Keywords
Technology, Western Cape, Digital archive, Department of Arts and Culture, Information and Communications Technology (ICT)