Academic literature on the topic 'Louisiana. State Archives and Records Service'

Aim of this paper is to give, based on experience of Croatian state archive, contribution to the discussion on consultation of archival records. Methodology usual for social sciences is used. Rules that stipulate records consultation are described and statistical data presented. 12.090 users, or 0,28% of all Croatian population, had consulted archival records, held by archive, in the year 2014 in Croatia. Rules and theirs execution have essential impact on number of users. Increased number of users in regional state archives in the beginning of second decade of this century is basically outcome of new laws related to denationalization and legalization of real estates. Archives even now do not have sufficient human and other resources not even to perform theirs basic tasks such as records arrangement. Consultation of archival records unavoidable reveals weakness on an archives or archival service regarding theirs prior tasks - protection, processing, and arrangement of records. One of the possible solutions of the archives’ crises, in a poor country in transition, is return of archives under the auspices of administration, and archives that work for the purpose of efficient governance.

Abstract:Africans historians have recently paid more attention to postcolonial archives, trying to locate these elusive collections as well as thinking more critically about how to use them. Uganda, in particular, has been an important site for reconsidering the role of postcolonial archives in historical research. Using the archives of Uganda Prisons Service as a case study, this article explores how official records can illuminate the social histories of public servants and the postcolonial state. Along with surveying the state of Uganda’s official archives – particularly those of the Uganda Prisons Service – it explores how these documents provide insight into the everyday experiences and concerns of prison officers after independence. Beyond its bureaucratic functions, paperwork served as a site in which officers could negotiate their responsibilities and relationships. Through the archives of the Uganda Prisons Service, we learn about the social worlds of prison officers within and beyond the prison walls, thus better understanding their experience of public service beyond narratives of corruption and brutality. Ultimately, this article demonstrates the ways in which official archives can be used to study the postcolonial state from a social history perspective.

In Tanzania, the Records and Archives Management Act of 2002 established the Records and Archives Management Department (RAMD) to provide for the proper administration and better management of public records and archives throughout their life cycle. This article is based on findings from an ongoing study of the government ministries of Tanzania which examines the current state of records management practices in fostering accountability in the implementation of the Public Service Reform Programme (PSRP) in Tanzania. A total of 120 registry personnel, 24 senior ministerial officials and National Archives personnel were involved in the study. The study established that although the introduction of the PSRP had resulted in some efforts in reforming the records management practices in the government ministries, records in the government ministries were not managed a strategic resource. The findings of the study revealed that current records management practices in the government ministries were accorded low priority. The absence of specific budgets allocated to registry sections, lack of support from senior officers, lack of records management policies and low levels of training for registry personnel were among the records management problems in the government ministries. Further, records surveys were conducted irregularly and the majority of government registries lacked records retention and disposition schedules which led to the congestion of records which were also disorganized and poorly managed. In order to manage records as a strategic resource, the article recommends the restructuring of existing records management systems.

The article is devoted to the identification and possible solution of problems associated with transfer of digitally born (electronic) records to archives, ensuring their long-term preservation, integrity and legal significance for further use. The author notes that at present conceptual approaches to the construction of a system for the acquisition of electronic records by state archives, organization of their stock-taking, storage and use have been developed. These archival processes are supposed to be performed in four stages. For the storage of electronic records, it is planned to create a centralized repository of electronic documents based on the cloud service. However, a number of issues still require a solution. Some of them are in the legal sphere, others are of a technological nature. The traditional problem for archivists is the limited financial resources necessary to implement the plan.

AbstractTechnology has a significant impact in archival institutions. The creation and need to preserve digital records require archivists to have the necessary training, and ongoing professional development. In addition, technology is embedded in many archival processes, making knowledge of technology use vital for archivists. While technology may be a challenge for archivists in terms of archival management, it also presents a useful means to support training and professional development. This paper is based on the experimental research conducted by the researchers, as instructors, in developing curriculum based on theories of andragogy for the purposes of developing intentional curriculum for professional development of archivists in digital learning environments. In this article, we will focus on the application of technology for the purposes of training archives professionals. We have explored archives training through the application of andragogy theory in online training through Louisiana State University and Mohawk College. In addition, we will review the literature relating to the use of technology to support both outreach and marketing to educate clients of archival institutions. Social media tools offer a broad means to engage clients, as these platforms already function as “community hubs for activity, featuring many users, regular updates, and active forum discussions” (Terras). The literature suggests that there is have been significant inroads in developing intentional curriculum for digital learning environments.

Relations between state policy and the state of archival affairs in Ukraine during the XX – the beginning of the XXI centuries are analyzed. The content and forms of activity of the archives are characterized. Based on the legislative acts, the stages of the evolution of archival institutions of Ukraine are given. The negative effects of the Soviet political system on the structure and network of archival bodies, qualitative composition of employees, and the biased nature of the formation of a documentary base are highlighted. The example of the fate of Ukrainian archivists illustrates the deformation of the archival industry. The existence of a separate vertical of the party archives, contrary to the idea of a single archival fund, is shown. The tragic role of the leadership of the branch by the People’s Commissariat of Internal Affairs-Ministry of Internal Affairs, which lasted from 1938 to 1961, is noted. The content of political orders from the authorities is disclosed. The presence of the Russian ideological factor in the publications of Ukrainian archivists is demonstrated. The importance of archival periodicals and information technologies is emphasized. Changes in archival construction after Ukraine acquired the state sovereignty is revealed: an update of the legal basis and philosophy of national archival construction. The importance of the establishment and operation of the Ukrainian Research Institute of Archival Affairs and Records Keeping was evaluated. Contemporary contradictions, relics, and recurrences of the old political system in the practice of archival construction are outlined. An information breakthrough provided by free access for researchers to the Sectoral State Archives of the Security Service of Ukraine is acknowledged. By the permission dated 2019 free copy of archival documents promoted profound scientific researches and restoration of historical memory. Conclusion about the integral connection between the functioning of the archival system in Ukraine of the XX-XXI centuries and state-political and social transformations is made. Keywords: archives, historical sources, politics, Soviet state, power, ideology, Communist Party, National Archival Fund.

The National Archives of Nigeria is located at three sites: Ibadan, Enugu, and Kaduna. Each site houses the archives for its geographical area: Ibadan for the Western Region (the present-day states of Bendel, Kwara, Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, and Oyo); Enugu for the Eastern Region; and Kaduna for the Northern Region. This paper will concentrate on the largest archives, that at Ibadan, which is housed in a large three-story pastel-colored building set in three acres of grounds within the campus area of the University of Ibadan.The Nigerian National Archives branch at Ibadan is very rich in official papers of all Federal, Regional, and State Governments; papers of native and local authorities; papers of semi-public bodies and institutions; papers of private individuals and families, as well as those of ecclesiastical bodies and missions.The founding and development of the Nigerian Archival Service was due very largely to the initiative of Kenneth Dike, who was awarded a Colonial Social Science Research Fellowship in 1949 to carry out research on Nigerian history. In the course of his studies Dike came across valuable historical records in government offices, the greater number of which were exposed to decay and destruction and some of which were damaged by insects and water. He reported this to the government and offered his services without salary in the task of recovering valuable historical materials.

The article focuses on the publication activities of post-Soviet archives within the framework of memorial events in honor of the 75th anniversary of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War. The authors note a wide variety of forms for these events, paying special attention to the publication of collections of documents and materials addressed to various topics and issues associated with the Great Patriotic War and post-war events. First of all, that is the tragedy and heroic deed of the civilian population of the Soviet Union during the war, including the participation of civilians in the partisan movement, as well as the history of military everyday life and the psychology of the Soviet soldier and the Soviet internationalism in the context of the war and post-war events. The analysis of the publication activities of the archives of the member states of the Commonwealth of Independent States allows the authors to conclude that it was the archives of the Russian Federation that led the most energetic publication activities, implementing both regional and federal anniversary publication projects (among the latter, the authors distinguish the all-Russian project “With No Status of Limitation”). As early as in the first half of the anniversary year 2020, archivists of the Russian Federation prepared collections covering the participation of Russian regions in the Great Patriotic War. Unlike the Russian archives, the archives of other member states of the Commonwealth of Independent States in 2019 – the first half of 2020 were less productive in their publication activities. However, the authors note the publications of the National Archives of the Republic of Belarus (already published:“Khatyn. On the Way to Recognition. Documents and Materials” and “Operational Summaries of the Belarusian Headquarters of the Partisan Movement. January–July 1944”, were announced: the publication of document collections related to the operation “Cormorant” and the restoration of agriculture in the Belarusian SSR in 1946–1950); of the State Archives of Minsk Region (“Life during War” collection was published), and the State Service of Records and Archives Management of the Trans-Dniester (Pridnestrovian) Moldavian Republic (“There is Such a Profession to Defend the Motherland” – an electronic collection of documents was prepared).

Abstract A climatology of tornadoes in Turkey is presented using records from a wide variety of sources (e.g., the Turkish State Meteorological Service, European Severe Weather Database, newspaper archives, Internet searches, etc.). The climatology includes the annual, diurnal, geographical, and intensity distributions of both mesocyclonic and nonmesocyclonic tornadoes. From 1818 to 2013, 385 tornado cases were obtained. The tornadoes range from F0 to F3, with F1 being the most frequently reported or inferred intensity. Mesocyclonic tornadoes are most likely in May and June, and a secondary maximum in frequency is present in October and November. Nonmesocyclonic tornadoes (waterspouts) are most common in the winter along the (southern) Mediterranean coast and in the fall along the Black Sea (northern) coast. Tornadoes (both mesocyclonic and nonmesocyclonic) are most likely in the afternoon and early evening hours.

Purpose Accountability in personnel records management is to a large extent, dependent on the availability of personnel records, there has been very little recognition of the need to address the management of personnel records as evidence for accountability either in relation to Freedom of Information (FOI) or Open Data. It is in this regard, therefore, the purpose of this study is to investigate the legal frameworks for personnel records management in support of accountability. The study used a descriptive design which combined both qualitative and quantitative approaches where both qualitative and quantitative information was involved in the study. Founded on the records life cycle and the records continuum, the study aimed to fulfil its main objective: establishing legal frameworks for personnel records management at Garissa County Government (GCG). Purposive sampling was used to select 11 Human Resource Management Officers (HRMO), 11 Personnel Record Management Officers (PRMO) and 11 Personnel Records Management Clerks (PRMC) and 55 staff members who made the total sample of 88 respondents. Data collected were analysed using descriptive statistics with the help of a Statistical Package for Social Scientists (version 17) was used to perform the analysis of quantitative data and presented through frequency tables, percentages, means and standard deviations. Results indicated that the County Government does not have legal frameworks in personnel records management. Several challenges were identified including lack of personal records management policy, lack of integrity, lose of documents/file and poor communication system. Generally, the study shows that legal frameworks in personnel records management is very important in accountability, therefore, GCG management needs to take measure to improve legal frameworks in personnel records management infrastructure and develop personnel records management policy. Design/methodology/approach The study was conducted using a descriptive design. This design ensures that data collected are analysed and findings are reported to establish a better understanding of a physical or social phenomenon. The descriptive design combined both qualitative and quantitative approaches where both qualitative and quantitative information was involved in the study. The study was conducted at the County Government of Garissa’s Head Quarters; it targeted staff involved in personnel records management. Garissa town was selected because it is a centre of various activities in County Government of Garissa. The target population comprising HRMO, PRMO, PRMC and staff from different ministries who depended on the personnel records management activities. Purposive sampling was used to select 11 HRMO, 11 PRMO, 11 PRMC and 55 staff members who made the total sample of 88 respondents from the population. Questionnaire method was used to collect data from HRMO, PRMO, PRMC and staff members quickly and give more freedom (in terms of time and flexibility) to the respondents. Interviews were used to obtain more in-depth information from the PRMO, HRMO and PRMC being the individuals’ in-charge of personnel records were to provide information on legal frameworks for personnel records management at GCG. Findings Lack of a policy signifies a lack of accountability and awareness of the personnel records management standards, meaning that the staffs are not aware of their responsibilities towards the management of the County’s records. This is therefore likely to contribute significantly to poor performance (Mampe and Kalusopa, 2012). This then puts the County in a precarious position regarding personnel records due to lack of guidelines on classing and handling of personnel records. Lack of a policy also shows a lack of commitment in the area, purporting neglect, where responsibilities are not clearly assigned and remain unclear. Weak institutional capacity and the absence of, for example, comprehensive personnel records management policies have been cited as one of the main causes of archival (as well as records management) underdevelopment in Africa (Ngulube and Tafor 2006). From the reactions of the existence of a draft policy, the staff indicated that it covered among other things: a policy statement, scope, definition of terms, applicable legislation and procedures, mail management encompassing both incoming and outgoing mail, filing classification, retention and disposal, as well as a statement of responsibilities. The study revealed that: personnel records management in Kenya operates under the framework and guidance of the Kenya National Archives and Documentation Services – KNADS which is supported by the Public Archives and Documentation Services Act, Cap 19. Besides the Cap 19, of 1965 of the Laws of Kenya, there are also various legislations that support the management of records in Kenya including the Ministry of State for Public Service (MSPS) (DPM) Circular on personnel records reference number DPM. 12/6A Vol. I (71) of 12th March 2008, the Records Management Procedure Manual for the Public Service, May 2010, prepared by the MSPS in consultation with the KNADS to provide guidelines and procedures to be followed in the day to day management of records in the public service. It is meant to be used alongside existing laws and legislation governing records management in the service. The effective utilization of the manual as stated by the Ministry is to contribute towards the government’s quest to achieve good governance and accountability in the Public Service. Adherence to the Manual is also meant to streamline personnel records management practice leading to effectiveness and efficiency in service delivery and the Government Financial Regulations and Procedures, chapter 23, section 4:2–5 give guidelines on the retention period for financial records. The management of personnel records is guided by various legislations and circulars such as Public Archives and Documentation Service Act, (Cap.19, Laws of Kenya) revised 1991, The Employment Act Chapter 226, revised in 1977 and 2007, The Regulation of Wages and Conditions of Employment Act Chapter 229, Income Tax Act Chapter 470 revised 1989, The National Social Security Fund Act Chapter 258 revised 1989, The Service Commission Act Chapter 185 of 1967 and DPM.12/6A VOL. I (71) dated 12th March 2008 on the destruction of personnel records. Compliance to all the above legal frameworks will ensure that personnel records management in support of accountability at GCG is achieved. Research limitations/implications The lack of effective personnel records management programme in a county agency was in itself non-conformity to the requirements and guidelines issued by the public services, thus leading to a lot of caution on how much could be revealed regarding the same. The focus of the study was on the assessment of paper-based and electronic personnel records management within the County Government. The assessment excluded other electronic records, such as online databases, with only personnel records being considered. Practical implications Nonexistence of personnel records management legal frameworks implies that the responsibilities for cooperate record management to GCG plans and guidelines of managing personnel records were inefficient. As a result of the absence of written personnel records management policy, there was also a lack of guidelines for appraisal, disposition and schedules of records. On legal frameworks for personnel records management at GCG, the findings revealed that there were many policies in GCG but personnel records management policy was missing which is very crucial. Record management policy will also enhance human resource management policy. The missing of the personnel records management policy reduces the accountability to people who deal with records management in general, increases lack of integrity and indicate that there is a presence of irrational decision. Social implications The missing of the personnel records management policy reduce the accountability to people who deal with records management, in general, increases lack of integrity and indicate that there is a presence of irrational decision. Originality/value The purpose of the study was to investigate the management of personnel records in support of accountability in devolved governments: A case of GCG.