The Role of Ghana Public Libraries in the Digitization of Indigenous Knowledge: Issues and Prospects

Abstract

African nations are going through many changes resulting in a loss of traditional, cultural and customary knowledge as a result of a lack of the preservation and digitization of African indigenous knowledge (AIK). These are causing cultural gaps between many generations and denying the continent the power and knowledge that it has developed for centuries. While technological advancement constitutes a vital component of sustainable development, there is a conspicuous and persistent lack of African indigenous knowledge technological advancement in Africa and a greater dependency on ‘western scientific’ technologies. African indigenous knowledge is considered the basis for self–sufficiency and self-determination, providing effective alternatives to western technologies. Several reasons exist to digitize African indigenous knowledge AIK for sustainable development. AIK is holistic; Indigenous Peoples’ systems of traditional knowledge and its use tend to have impact on biological diversity; management approaches are based on self-regulation. The use of AIK is considered one of the cornerstones that can guarantee the survival of the economies of the African developing world in the wake of scarce resources and reduced donor funding. There is also increasing recognition that the use of AIK and the application of indigenous natural resource management systems provide effective strategies for the sustainable use of natural resources. However, this knowledge base is unrecorded and it is diminishing at alarming rate. This paper looks at the issues, prospects, and the role of public libraries in Ghana in digitizing indigenous knowledge for posterity and accessibility to the general public. Using mainly literature review and an interview of the director of Public Library Service in Ghana, it was revealed that lack of human resource, finance; infrastructure, internet connectivity, and copyright, among other things, possess a great challenge in the digitization of indigenous knowledge in Ghana. The paper then advocates training of public librarians, conducting of research based on endogenous approach, provision of infrastructure, and providing a policy framework which will enhance the process of converting information into a digital format.