Browsing by Author "Ernest, Franklin Leonce"

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    Usage of archival records by historians from university of dar es salaam, dar es salaam university college of education and open university of tanzania
    (University of Dar es Salaam, 2012) Ernest, Franklin Leonce
    This study assessed the usage of archival records at The National Records and Archives Management Department (NRAMD) in Dar es Salaam. This survey used triangulation to collect data including interviews and observations. 60 purposively selected respondents participated in this study and included senior and junior staff from NRAMD and teaching staff in the Department of History at the University of Dar es Salaam, Dar es Salaam, University College of Education and the Open University of Tanzania. Key findings revealed that marketing strategies used by NRAMD are not effective, thus there has been no significant increase of Tanzanian users and the search room environment is not conducive for users. Furthermore, users do not always find archival records even though they use search room staff to locate and retrieve archival records. This was attributed to the lack of highly qualified and dedicated personnel. Findings further revealed that the National Records and Archives Management Policy is not known to most NRAMD staff and users, consequently, issues of access, use and preservation are not well addressed. The situation is made worse by user un-friendly out-dated internal rules and regulations. Moreover, NRAMD operates manually as its services are not automated. Therefore, it is recommended that NRAMD should publicize and implement the National Records and Archives Management Policy and a proactive marketing strategy to ensure maximum use of its holdings and services by Tanzanians. In addition, it is recommended that all the old and outdated finding aids should be reviewed. NRAMD should offer user information literacy to users to ensure effective utilization of its resources and services. Finally, NRAMD should automate its functions in order to improve performance and efficiency.