EFFECTIVENESS OF APPRAISAL OF PUBLIC RECORDS IN TANZANIA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AUTHORITY: THE CASE STUDY OF UBUNGO MUNICIPAL COUNCIL IN TANZANIA

ABSTRACT Appraisal of public records in Tanzania Local Government Authorities has often been poorly handled, resulting in accumulation of records of no value, inefficient use of storage space and delays in retrieval. This study assessed the effectiveness of appraisal of public records in Tanzania Local Government Authorities, using Ubungo Municipal Council (UMC) as a case study. The study was guided by three specific objectives: to explore the approaches and procedures used to appraise records at UMC; to analyze the challenges facing the appraisal process at UMC; and to determine the importance of appraising public records at UMC. The study adopted a case study research design and employed a qualitative approach, supported by both primary and secondary data collection methods. Primary data were collected through interviews and questionnaires, while secondary data were obtained through documentary review. A non-probability, purposive sampling technique was used to select respondents from among the records staff and management of UMC. The findings revealed that UMC applies a macro records appraisal approach, mainly relying on an appraisal team and existing retention and disposal schedules to determine the value of records. The study further established that the appraisal process at UMC is affected by a number of challenges, including inadequate awareness and technical skills among staff, insufficient funding, lack of adequate guiding tools and limited cooperation between records staff and other departments. Despite these challenges, the study found that appraisal of records at UMC brings notable benefits, including creation of adequate storage space, protection of records of enduring value, improved efficiency in records retrieval and enhanced service delivery.The study concludes that although UMC recognizes the importance of records appraisal, its effectiveness is undermined by inadequate resources, limited skills and weak guiding frameworks. The study recommends provision of sufficient funds for appraisal programmes, strengthening of cooperation between records staff and other employees, and regular review and revision of records professional training programmes. These measures are expected to improve the effectiveness of records appraisal at UMC and other local government authorities in Tanzania.

Type

Dissertation

Language

English

Peer review

Not peer-reviewed

Licence

All rights reserved