Digital preservation

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore the extent to which digital preservation facilitate the implementation of electronic government, open data and the right to information. Design/methodology/approach A case study research which chronicles the link between transparency and data availability. It makes use of a theoretical framework based on the open archival information system to analyse, explain, clarify and justify the application of open data, electronic government and the right to information. Findings The paper argued that e-government, open data and the RTI will remain elusive if a digital preservation infrastructure is not pursued. Within the context of e-government, the paper adumbrated that government agencies can incorporate e-government legislations into their digital preservation activities, precisely because the relationship between digital preservation and e-government have always been symbiotic. It alluded to the fact that an obligation will be placed on all public authorities and private agencies covered by the RTL law to create, keep and organise an effective and efficient system of record keeping, so as to give meaning to the right to information when citizens apply for information. Practical implications Future research should examine closely the implication of open data government within the context of digital preservation. Whilst digital preservation looks forward to the longevity of digital records and its accessibility, open data focusses on the utility of these records through online services, reuse and distribution for the purposes of transparency and citizens’ participation. Originality/value The application of digital preservation to open data in this paper appears to be more relevant at a time when most governments of the world are striving to obtain data to fight poverty, achieve universal primary education, fight HIV and foster maternal health. Its originality can further be established from the symbiotic relationship between digital preservation and electronic government, open data and the right to information.

The impact of open government data on accountability and transparency

“…This public data are sought to be harnessed by citizens for creating and co-creating value (Kalampokis et al , 2011b). Therefore, OGD initiatives are proactive initiatives of the governments in order to share government sector information to the public (Adu et al , 2016; Borglund and Engvall, 2014). Such government sectors include energy, science and technology, transport, health, education, industry, tourism, social work, climate change, etc.…”

framework for development of digital records preservation in the cloud in Botswana

“…The Government of Botswana adopted the utilisation of information and communication technologies (ICTs) in delivering public services (Bwalya & Mosweu 2017;Keakopa 2018;Kalusopa, Mosweu & Bayane 2021). There is a close relationship between digital preservation and e-government, which is assisted by effective and efficient recordkeeping through which citizens' right to information is realised (Adu, Dube & Adjei 2016). The emergence of digital records and how they should be preserved within government has been a subject of discussion by some authors (Decman & Vintar 2013) In e-government, digital records preservation is a major records management function.…”

An assessment of human resource capabilities in supporting digital records preservation: a case of RAMD and RITA, Tanzania

“…Another facet of digital records preservation is the existence and implementation of a legal framework. Adu et al (2016) call for the incorporation of digital records preservation activities within specific policy and regulatory frameworks. Likewise, Yadav (2016) noted that institutions must develop digital records preservation policies covering matters such as staff and financial resources accountability, metadata standards compliance, media and storage strategies, preservation services and intellectual property considerations.…”