Building a Legacy: Exploring the Demand for an Inclusive Archive at the University of Ruhuna

Abstract

Preserving historical documents and artifacts is crucial for safeguarding cultural legacy and ensuring that future generations can access invaluable knowledge and insights from the past. The "Ruhuna Heritage Nexus" project aims to create an extensive and accessible digital archive at the University of Ruhuna Library. This initiative envisions a modern center for historical study and preservation, enhancing public and researcher access to historical documents and artifacts through digitization, cataloging, and preservation. To assess the needs and expectations for the "Ruhuna Heritage Nexus," a survey was conducted among academic staff, students, and administrative staff at the university. Using a stratified random sampling method, 100 responses were collected, with 25 from academic staff, 50 from students, and 25 from administrative staff. The findings reveal that 85% of respondents indicated a strong demand for a digital archive, particularly with the highest interest among academic and administrative staff. The most desired materials for archiving were scholarly materials and it is 95%. Multimedia resources and historical documents were also highly favored, with 70% and 60% of respondents respectively supporting their inclusion. While open access is widely supported, there is recognition of the need for restricted access to certain materials. Adequate resource allocation, including the appointment of dedicated staff and regular updates, is considered essential for achieving long-term success. This research provides a foundational framework for the potential development and implementation of the "Ruhuna Heritage Nexus," which promises to significantly enhance the university's academic infrastructure and promote knowledge sharing and preservation.