Indigenous knowledge in Sudan: Perceptions among Sudanese librarians

Abstract

Indigenous knowledge has received considerable attention in Sudan, as it is deeply rooted in the sociocultural life. Librarians, as facilitators of learning, have an essential role to play in indigenous knowledge management in the country. The objective of this article is to assess Sudanese librarians’ awareness of indigenous knowledge and to examine their roles in its management and preservation. The research also identifies the major obstacles that face indigenous knowledge management, and the role of information and communication technology in its management. Additionally, the research assesses the major changes needed to develop a successful national indigenous knowledge strategy. Structured questionnaires and four semi-structured interviews were used to collect data. The findings show that Sudanese librarians believe libraries have a role to play in indigenous knowledge management. The article proposes some relevant recommendations to enhance the role of librarians in indigenous knowledge management in Sudan.