ASSESSING THE PRESERVATION OF PAPER VITAL RECORDS ON ENHANCING LONG TERM ACCESSIBILITY AT BAGAMOYO DISTRICT COUNCIL.

This study assessed the preservation of paper vital records on enhancing long-term accessibility at Bagamoyo District Council. The study was guided by three specific objectives: to assess the current state of infrastructure and practices for preserving paper vital records, to evaluate the quality and integrity of managing paper vital records on enhancing long-term accessibility, and to identify the challenges facing Bagamoyo District Council in managing paper vital records. The study employed a mixed methods research approach and a descriptive research design. Data were collected using questionnaires, interviews, observation, and document review. The study involved a sample of 25 respondents, including registry staff, administrative officers, and management personnel who were directly involved in the creation, handling, preservation, storage, and management of paper vital records at Bagamoyo District Council. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, particularly frequencies and percentages, while qualitative data were analyzed through thematic analysis. The findings revealed that although the Council had established records preservation practices, several challenges affected the effective preservation and long-term accessibility of paper vital records. These challenges included inadequate storage facilities, insufficient preservation materials, unfavorable environmental conditions, limited staff training, and inadequate implementation of records management policies. The study concludes that improving preservation infrastructure, strengthening staff capacity, and adopting modern preservation technologies are essential for enhancing the long-term accessibility of paper vital records. The findings are expected to contribute to improving records preservation practices within local government authorities in Tanzania.

Type

Dissertation

Language

English

Peer review

Not peer-reviewed

Licence

All rights reserved