ASSESSMENT OF RECORDS APPRAISAL PRACTICES IN PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS. A CASE STUDY AT BAGAMOYO DISTRCT REGISTRY.

This study assessed records appraisal practices in public institutions using Bagamoyo District Council as a case study. The study was conducted to examine staff awareness and understanding of records appraisal procedures, identify the methods and criteria used in appraising records, assess the availability and use of appraisal guidelines, policies, and retention schedules, and determine the challenges affecting effective records appraisal practices. The study employed a case study research design and adopted qualitative research approach. Data were collected from a sample of 30 respondents, whereby 25 respondents were issued questionnaires, of which 20 successfully returned them, while 5 key informants participated in interviews. Quantitative data were analyzed using frequencies and percentages with the aid of Microsoft Excel and presented in tables, whereas qualitative data were analyzed using thematic analysis and supported by respondents' quotations. The findings revealed that the majority of respondents were aware of records appraisal procedures and had a good understanding of appraisal practices. Most respondents acquired their knowledge through personal experience and on-the-job training rather than formal professional education. The study further found that retention schedules and legal and administrative value assessment were the most commonly used methods for appraising records, while financial and administrative value were the main criteria used in determining whether records should be retained or disposed of. The findings also identified several challenges affecting effective records appraisal practices, including lack of appraisal guidelines and retention schedules, inadequate training of records personnel, poor records management infrastructure, and limited management support. The study concludes that although records appraisal practices are implemented at Bagamoyo District Council, their effectiveness is constrained by inadequate institutional support, insufficient professional training, and limited application of standardized vii viii appraisal tools. The study recommends that public institutions strengthen records appraisal policies and retention schedules, provide continuous professional training for records management personnel, improve records management infrastructure, and allocate adequate resources to enhance effective records appraisal practices and improve organizational efficiency

Type

Dissertation

Language

English

Peer review

Not peer-reviewed

Licence

All rights reserved