Examining Technical Issues of the World Digital Library in Uganda: Challenges and Projects.

Abstract

With the agreement and subsequent signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between the Library of Congress (LC) and the National Library of Uganda (NLU) in 2009, NLU became an active partner institution of the World Digital Library (WDL). Since then, technical processes related to digitizing Uganda’s cultural heritage have been managed. These include: identification of digitizable cultural materials/content selection, scanning, metadata, preservation and conservation and the creation of the Uganda Digital Repository. The aim of this paper was to examine the challenges encountered in managing the technical activities and propose solutions for better management of the WDL in Uganda. Objectives included: to examine the technical services involved in the digitisation process; to identify challenges faced in executing the technical processes; and to identify solutions to the challenges. Data collection was effected through analysis of WDL literature relevant to technical activities in general and the WDL (Uganda) in particular; participant observation of technical processes; and a Focus Group Discussion with employees. Personal experience also applied in explaining some aspects of the research. The paper should generate critical information and debate on the management of WDL technical processes, the challenges, and also strategies to overcome the challenges. The paper should benefit the project administrators, staff and other stakeholders in working towards better performance of the WDL in general and WDL (Uganda) in particular.