Participants pose for a photo, during the Library Archives Week.PHOTO: Antonio Longangi

By Charles Wanjala and Ernest A. Mwanzi

The Library and Information Center through the archives section, joined the world in celebrating the annual international archives week for the second year running. Aligned to the 2019 theme ‘Designing the Archives in the 21st Century,’ an intense discussion ensued among the participants who were eager to learn the core of preservation in the current age through a workshop at the library bookshop. The occasion aimed to elaborate a deeper understanding of the principles of managing records and enlighten participants on modern preservation practices. Key emphasis was placed on the criteria to be met by materials designated for archiving, which needed to be authentic, reliable, integral and usable.

The University archivist, Boniface Odhiambo and his team, were challenged to meet systematic, orderly and consistent creation, retention, appraisal and disposal rules for records throughout their life cycle. This was done through a walk around campus sections and guiding custodians on important records that would have a lasting value that need to be dropped at the archives for preservation. As a result, the archive section will now implement provisions to be more efficient when it comes to access of records and an unlocking of the information and knowledge they contain.

Adding to the beehive of activities to commemorate this day was the letter writing day that drew participation campus wide. Participants wrote letters to whoever they wished and advised on a day that the said letters would be opened – this activity elicited a lot of excitement as it acted as a refresher for participants to exhibit their letter writing skills.

This year’s celebration is in line with the USIU-Africa at 50 theme as the archives serves as a better place to see our past and celebrate our achievements through the years.

This year’s event was graced by Mr. Joseph Rembe, a renowned records and archives consultant, who was the chief guest.