1. OAU Digitization Project
1
The paper (CM/1793 (LIX) Add.2: 2) of 1994 noted
that “The reorganisation of the Archive Unit and the
storing of documents using scanning techniques will
guarantee safety for all past and future historical
documents of the OAU”
2. Resource mobilization for the project
2
A list of resources required was made
Human resource = one archivist, two cataloguers, a
laboratory technician and a bilingual secretary. (All these
to be new recruits)
Equipment = an impressive list including cameras, book
cradles, microfiche
More emphasis was placed on equipment than on the
human resources
no indication of how the project related to the other departments
beyond the archives and how they were expected to contribute.
Not apparent who was to champion the project
The diverse skills requirements for digitization were ill represented.
Apparent that skills were lacking
3. Resource mobilization strategy
3
No particular strategy was put in place.
The archives had a budget of $100,000.00 approved
by the Council of Ministers
UNDP was targeted for the supplementary human
resources (Electrical Engineer and a database
officer).
The project ran on consultancy
Money was not the problem
4. Problems
4
No comprehensive and documented resource mobilization
No documented strategy
Not much ownership from the organization
No monitoring or evaluation
Consultants finished their job
Commented about the internal incompetency
Handed over the project and that was the end
Archives staff left
A new senior officer came in, cleared the Equipment clutter
THAT WAS THE END OF THE PROJECT AND NOTHING OF IT
REMAINS TO DATE
AU Turns a New Page