Using Theory to Understand Digital Preservation Management in Ghana

Abstract

AbstractIn this paper we discuss how Rogers’ Diffusion of Innovation theory and Davies’ Policy, Strategy and Resources (PSR) troika model were used to underpin a Ph. D. study that explored contextual factors influencing the current state of digital preservation management in Ghana. Our goal is to explain how these theories were employed so that other researchers will be able to use them effectively to understand other related research problems. The research on which this paper is based employed an interpretive single-case-study approach. Four main clusters of contextual factors—attitude-related, resource-related, policy-related, and management-related factors—were found to be influencing digital preservation management in Ghana. We present a summary of these factors at the end of the paper. Awareness of these can enable the effective development of a digital preservation program and lead to the establishment of a national digital memory for Ghana and other developing countries.