The Future of the Past: The Preservation of and Access to Oral History Records at Pietermaritzburg Archives Repository, South Africa

Abstract

Abstract Preserving and providing access to oral history records poses several challenges, including the need for significant resources, fragility, a lack of standardisation in the quality of carriers, legal and ethical considerations, access barriers because of factors such as language, limited resources for transcription and translation, and restrictions on access to protect privacy or confidentiality. Technology obsolescence is a further significant challenge to preserving and accessing oral history records. This study investigates the preservation of and access to oral history records at the Pietermaritzburg Archives Repository. A qualitative approach was used, and data were collected using semi-structured interviews from purposively selected staff members of the Oral History Unit (OHU). Content and thematic analysis were used to analyse the data. The findings revealed that the key challenges include the outdated provincial archives legislation, an absence of policies and strategies in place, an adapted building, lack of relevant qualifications, lack of training, scarcity of equipment and resources, and inadequate funding. Based on the issues identified, various strategies and recommendations are provided.