INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON AFRICAN BIBLIOGRAPHY

Abstract

This paper explores the potential application of computer technology to the management and indexing of African archives. The author argues that African nations have a unique opportunity to bypass traditional, labor-intensive archival methods and adopt automated systems from the outset. The document highlights initiatives such as the U.S. National Archives' computer-indexing project and the Hoover Institution's experimental system, which uses controlled vocabulary and machine-assisted indexing to improve retrieval efficiency. Key advantages include reduced reliance on skilled labor, lower long-term costs, and the possibility of creating a global archival data network. The paper concludes that automation can help African archives manage growing volumes of materials more effectively while providing researchers with faster, more comprehensive access to archival resources.