Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming how we manage and preserve archival records. This guide explores how AI tools and technologies can streamline tasks such as digitisation, appraisal, arrangement, metadata creation, preservation, and access.
Learn how to responsibly and innovatively integrate AI into archival workflows.
Contacts: archives@unisa.ac.za
+27 012 429 2560
Physical address: Anton Lambede Library Building Level 2
Preller Street
Muckleneuk - Pretoria
Archives are collections of historical records that document the activities, experiences, and decisions of individuals, institutions, or communities. These records may include manuscripts such as correspondence, diaries, financial documents, photographs, audiovisual materials, maps - http://chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://www.westerncape.gov.za/cas/files/wcg-blob-files?file=2025-02/part-one-organise-your-archive.pdf&type=file
The Unisa Archives preserves historical records relating to the University’s administration, staff and students, functions, history, and development. This includes records of Unisa’s predecessor, the University of the Cape of Good Hope. The Archives also house the papers of the Unisa International Music Competitions.
In addition to institutional historical records, the Unisa Archives preserves donated records of enduring research value. These include records related to prominent individuals, politics, and education. Notable collections include:
Documentation Centre for African Studies: This contains both historical and contemporary records concerning Black, racialised, and Indian communities in Southern Africa. It includes materials related to figures such as A.W.G. Champion, D.D.T. Jabavu, Chief M.G. Buthelezi, Z.K. Matthews, Denis and Edelgard Goldberg, and Allan Boesak.
United Party Records: Documents from the former opposition party of the South African government.
Hesse Collection of German Africana: Primarily consists of 19th- and 20th-century missionary materials.
Manuscripts Collection: Includes the Maishe Maponya Collection, Hugh Masekela Collection, YWCA Collection, MainGard Collection, and others.
Junod Archives: Valuable to researchers in missiology, anthropology, and the Tsonga language.
Library Associations Records: Includes documents from organizations such as LIASA, SAILIS, and SALA, dating back to the 1930s.
The Kenneth Birch Records
Special Collections: Comprising rare books, maps, paintings, sketches, and artefacts.
The integration of AI in archival practices can offer transformative potential by enhancing efficiency, accuracy, and accessibility, paving the way for archives that are better preserved, more accessible, and responsive to user needs.
AI has come to stay. But while AI is powerful, it can’t replace the human experience, our creativity and emotional intelligence. It is a matter of learning how to collaborate with it