Digitization and Preservation of Academic Library Collections in Kenya:

Abstract

Digitization can be described as the preservation of a library collection in a digital format to make the collection easily accessible ad usable. Digitization is the process of converting documents and work of arts into digital image or conversion of hard copies to an electronic format. Digital preservation can be described as the process of preservation information in digital format to ensure durability, easy accessibility and even intellectual integrity. One of the main purposes of converting into digital format is to enhance access of information and knowledge and also to preserve the library collection for future generations. Digitization enhances information delivery since most users will not have to physically visit the libraries to search for materials. Most academic libraries have embraced digitization as the new trend in managing information materials and preserving their library collections, it has become one of the newest methods of managing information materials since this new technology is allowing users to access information from the comfort of their homes and offices. Digitization involves planning, funding and the process of digitizing. With the introduction of digital technology into the process of production and the storage of information most libraries are being made to go digital. Digitization has enabled users to access information for different purposes and has also ensured protection of information materials for their intrinsic value. Over the past years libraries are embracing digital preservation as a process of holding the electronic information and have even automated the library services, though in Africa digital preservation and digital development has been slow. Proliferation of electronic materials and the quest to access materials in remote areas are some of the reasons that have made digitization an important aspect in managing and preservation of information. Libraries are essential for academic institution, in order for libraries to promote teaching, learning and research they are expected to provide excellent information resources, digital preservation has totally revolutionized the way information is packaged, stored and disseminated and also how users are seeking and accessing the information they need. This paper aims to discuss the benefits of digitization and the issues that affect digital preservation in developing societies with particular emphasis on Academic libraries as its main objective. The research design is content analysis of case surveys of developing societies. This paper also attempts to uncover the challenges encountered by academic libraries in the digitization process. Some of the challenges include funding/economic challenges, legal aspects, and availability of skilled manpower, technological challenges and maintenance of the equipments for digitization. Other issues discussed has included the way forward to the challenges that have been mentioned while also considering the constraints that libraries and institutions have been working under. Digital preservation is one sure way of ensuring that libraries in Kenya contribute to the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to quality education by ensuring access of information and knowledge. The paper concluded that digital preservation is essential in modern day libraries because of the emerging trends in user behaviour, and that information managers must meet with the practical skills needed in order to implement the digital preservation process.