Preservation of Archival Records

Archival records are the by-product of human activity retained for their long term value.  The are contemporary records created by individuals and organisation as they go about their business and there they provide a direct window on past events of an organisation or an individual.  They come in a wide range of formats including written, photographic, moving images, sound, digital and analogue.  An archive is a repository or room or building where archival materials are preserved for present and future reference.  The archival records are unique in that they are usually original documents produced in one copy.  They are rarely available unless requested for from an Archive.  

The archival records are authentic, have integrity, they are usable and reliable.  They can be used in court as evidence.  The university of Nairobi being a public institution has established an archival room within the Jomo Kenyatta memorial Library at the basement.  This archival room will be used to preserve the archival records of the University.  All the Colleges, Departments and units will be expected to identify their archival records yearly to be preserved in the university Archives. 

The best proven method for storage of archival records is by microfilming the records.  Microfilms are known for its longevity and safety way of storage for a period of 500 years plus as long as the environment where they are stored is conducive and the temperature and humidity of the room is controlled.  As mentioned earlier archives are rare records and it is important that they are stored in secure environment.  many organisations are planning to go digital due to corona virus pandemic but the safety and most expensive but sure method is to microfilm.  Technological obsolescence can not guarantee the long term preservation of archival records.