Disproportions in archival collections usage in Malawi

Abstract

While the ultimate goal of preserving archives is that they should be used, their usage is not uniform. Using data from interviews, records analysis and observation guides, this study examined the use of archival materials at the National Records and Archives Services of Malawi by exploring the collections, users and usage of the facility. The study established that some archival materials are heavily used while others are rarely used or not used at all. It recommends intensive preservation of heavily used materials and promotion of those that are rarely used or unused.