The challenges of post custodial management of digital records in Botswana laid bare

Abstract

This paper presents the challenges of post custodial management of digital records in the context of Botswana. This is a qualitative study which used a focused review literature supplemented by interviews with seven (7) purposively selected records management experts. The study has revealed that the post-custodial management of digital records is a challenging vocation in Botswana. Such challenges include poor information and communication technology infrastructure, lack of capacity for digital records management, and an inadequate legal and policy framework conceptualized upon the capability to guide digital records preservation. These challenges suggest that records creating agencies may not be prepared and capacitated to manage digital records in a post custodial context. This study recommends that funds be made available to Botswana National Archives and Records Services to set up a digital archive that meets best practice standards in digital records preservation.