The Informative, Connective Role Of Archives

Records keeping is a paramount aspect of nation building anywhere around the world. While increasing a sense of identity, archives provide evidence and better tell the story of people and institutions. With globalization as a result of the digital age, archives more than ever need to be protected for future generations, reason for the holding of the eighth edition of the annual conference of the International Council on Archives at the Yaounde conference centre under the theme “Governance, Memory and Heritage.” Historical and current documents are all of value as they contribute to public trust, facilitate sound decision making based on facts and constitute a foundation for collective memory.

According to the President of the International Council on Archives, ICA, David Fricker, archives further ascertain the rights of the people and informs them on pertinent cultural and other linguistic issues. To him, archives do not only inform a population but equally connects them to a common past. He says archives are a natural resource to a country as it tells the story, the common belonging and the future. National and international issues are best resolved with the consultation of archives. They further create awareness and generate advocacy for gover...