MAKING OKAVANGO RESEARCH INSTITUTE LIBRARY’S SPECIAL COLLECTIONS ACCESSIBLE: FROM 2006 TO DATE

Olebogeng Phaladze ,  Mosepele Mabutho

University of Botswana, Okavango Research Institute

 Abstract

This paper describes eff orts to preserve long-term priceless archival resources by making them accessible while ensuring that they are preserved in their original format, using Okavango Research Institute (ORI) Library’s special collections as a case study. The depth of these collections, their acquisition and appraisal processes to determine their significance to the library are described, as well as steps that were followed in integrating them in the library’s collections. Special collections are often produced informally and stored in environments determined by the personal resources of the collectors. In ORI library, the collections were sourced mainly from researchers or enthusiasts who worked in different capacities in Ngamiland region and had interest in Okavango Delta and the people who live in the region. The special collections provide unique information of historic value that has the potential to support biodiversity conservation in this protected area. The materials form an essential part of the library’s resources. The longevity of these materials is often threatened because they are prone to damage due to their fragility and their previous varying physical environments. Caretakers normally restrict access to such collections to preserve them, which is counterproductive to the intent of the collectors and the mandate of the library. It is therefore the responsibility of libraries to ensure that beyond identification, processing and preservation, such collections are made accessible to users. There are, however, numerous challenges that are encountered in the process of integrating personal collections into the library’s resources.

Readmore:https://www.scecsal.org/publications/papers2021/scecsal_papers2021_phaladze.pdf