Digitization Process of Archives: A Case Study of the Punjab Archives, Lahore

Authors

  • Mukarram Nawaz Digital Imaging Officer, Punjab Information Technology Board, Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan.
  • Muhammad Nadeem Akhtar Head, Department of Main Library & IT, Ayub Agricultural Research Institute, Faisalabad, Punjab, Pakistan.
  • Dr. Muhammad Tariq Incharge, Library Information Services, COMSATS Institute of Information Technology, Faisalabad, Punjab, Pakistan.
  • Sidra Batool Technical Librarian, Ayub Agricultural Research Institute, Faisalabad, Punjab, Pakistan.
  • Shahbaz Ali Librarian, Abdus Salam School of Mathematical Sciences, Government College University, Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.55737/qjssh.391567320

Keywords:

Punjab Archives, Digitization Process, Cataloguing, Challenges, Documents

Abstract

The digitization process of archives involves the conversion of physical documents, records, and artefacts into digital formats, enabling easier access, preservation, and dissemination of valuable historical information.The present study aimed to explore the digitization and preservation of archives: a case study of the Punjab Archives, Lahore. This study uses a qualitative research methodology in order to achieve the study's goals. An inductive approach was used to collect the data. Data was collected from the staff of the Punjab archives team, the project team and primary sources. Data was converted into written transcripts with the help of NVivo software. The benefits of digitization, such as improved accessibility, enhanced searchability, increased security, efficiency of accessing resources, and the protection of cultural heritage, are discussed, along with potential benefits, challenges, and solutions. The findings of the study revealed that the Punjab archives are the richest and oldest archives in the region. Seven million archives are available in different forms (documents, manuscripts, government records, coins, stamps, lithography, books, pictures, maps, etc.) in the Punjab Archives, and 114,592 documents have been selected for the initial phase of digitization. The purpose of the project was to preserve damaged, forged, and torn records in digital form.

Author Biography

  • Muhammad Nadeem Akhtar, Head, Department of Main Library & IT, Ayub Agricultural Research Institute, Faisalabad, Punjab, Pakistan.

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Published

2024-03-30

Issue

Section

Articles

How to Cite

Nawaz, M., Akhtar, M. N., Tariq, D. M., Batool, S., & Ali, S. (2024). Digitization Process of Archives: A Case Study of the Punjab Archives, Lahore. Qlantic Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities, 5(1), 240-247. https://doi.org/10.55737/qjssh.391567320

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