COMMUNITY COLLABORATION, USE OF DIGITAL TOOLS AND POLICY SUPPORT AS DETERMINANT OF PRESERVATION OF INDIGENOUS KNOWLEDGE IN ACADEMIC ARCHIVES IN CROSS RIVER STATE, NIGERIA

No Thumbnail Available
Date
2026
Authors
ORIM, Faith Sylvester
UNDIE, Moses Agba
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Library and Information Management Forum Vol. 28. No. 1 2026
Abstract
This study investigated the influence of community collaboration, use of digital tools, and policy support on the preservation of indigenous knowledge in academic archives in Cross River State, Nigeria. Three hypotheses were formulated to guide the study; community collaboration, digital tools, policy support has a significant positive effect on the preservation of indigenous knowledge in academic archives in Cross River State. The study adopted a correlational ex-post facto research design, which was deemed appropriate for examining the relationships among independent and dependent variables without manipulating them. The population comprised 543 archival staff members, and a probability sampling technique was employed to ensure comprehensive data coverage. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire divided into two sections: demographic information and measures of the independent and dependent variables. Data analysis involved descriptive statistics and multiple regression to determine the relative and combined effects of predictors. Findings revealed that community collaboration, use of digital tools, and policy support each significantly influenced the preservation of indigenous knowledge, with the combined effect accounting for a substantial variance in outcomes. The study highlights the importance of integrated strategies for sustaining indigenous knowledge and offers theoretical and practical insights for archival management, policy formulation, and capacity building in academic libraries. The study concluded that community collaboration, use of digital tools, and policy support significantly influence the preservation of indigenous knowledge in academic archives. The study recommended that academic libraries should develop structured programs to engage local communities, invest in appropriate digital technologies, and advocate for comprehensive policies that safeguard indigenous knowledge. Training initiatives should be prioritized to enhance staff capacity in digital tools and community engagement. Furthermore, policymakers and funding bodies can leverage these insights to allocate resources strategically, ensuring sustainable preservation practices.
Description
Journal of Library and Information Management Forum
Keywords
Citation