Title: An Evaluative Study of the Acquisition, Processing and Management of Archival Resources in National Archives of Nigeria, Kaduna
Author(s): Garba Dahiru, Habiba Umar Jaja & Abubakar Muhammad Bande
Publication Year: 2023; Volume 18, Issue 3, pages 104-112

This research is on acquisition, processing and management of archival resources in National Archives of Nigeria, Kaduna. The objectives of the study were: to identify the methods of acquiring archival resources; to identify how archival resources are processed and organized; to identify the problems associated by the Archivists in acquiring, processing and managing of archival resources at the National Archives Kaduna; to make appropriate recommendations on the way forward. In carrying out this research a total of Thiry Five (35) questionnaire were administered to the respondents by the researcher in order to answer the research questions. Twenty-Eight (28) were useable, filled and returned which represent 80% response rate, while (7) representing 20% were not returned. Therefore, the response rate was considered reasonable because 80% is a high return. The response has been analyzed using Statistical Package of Social Science (SPSS) using tables and percentages and frequency counts. Archives ensures that records of today are been preserved for reference and future generations. People can use the records to study and understand the life, ideas and thoughts of their original creators, linking the past, present and the future. Archival institutions select, acquire, process, organize, preserve and make their records accessible for a number of reasons, including legal, financial, administrative, historical, educational, academic, genealogical and other purposes. Archives serves as societal collective memory by providing evidence of the past and promoting accountability and transparency of past actions. Archives help people to understand their history and the role of particular organization, individual, families, religious bodies and movement in shaping the past. The problems faced by archives today are due to inadequate fund allocation by the Government, staff inadequacy, neglect from Government, organizations, families and individuals, lack of adequate working tools and materials, preservation and conservation problem. To solve these problems the Government should allocate more funds for the management of Archives, professional and adequate staff should be employed, adequate working materials and tools should be provided. Government organizations, families and individuals should also be donating ripe archival resources to the archives and proper methods and strategies in remedying deterioration of archival resources should be practiced.