This research was out to ascertain how the challenges faced in managing archives records as critical information sources in line with current trends is evident in poor information service delivery in the National Archives Buea and the Presbyterian Archives at the Synod Office Buea. The study was guided by two research questions. The population was made up of all the staff of the two Archives services in question, with the target, accessible populations and sample size the same and made up 10 respondents. Data were collected using interview guide, focus group discussion and observation checklist. Content and face validity of instruments were ensured. Data were analysed thematically. The major findings of the study were as follows: there is little or no use of digital means of preservation, preservation equipment are out-dated or do not respect standards and the preservation techniques are not appropriate, ineffective and have adverse effect on information service delivery making it unsatisfactory, in response to research question one. Lastly following the second and last request question, on challenges faced by Archives services, it was evident that both services face a number of challenges stemming from biological, environmental as well as physical factors mitigating against their efforts in preserving the rich archival records they have in store for posterity. The above is in addition to insufficient budget and modern equipment with which to digitize their records for proper preservation as current trends demand. Some recommendations were made based on the findings, and include: archivists have to work with the Ministry of Arts and Culture to ensure that a standard preservation policy is written to meet up with the international standard and to cater for all types of records, engage in electronic preservation in order to meet up with the required standards of information service delivery of the 21st century, that the government through the Ministry of Arts and Culture should allocate an annual budget to help attain this objective and the Synod office should endow its Archives with a budget to take the same action, both services should do deacidification and lamination to reduce the rate of deterioration of already deteriorating analogue records and lastly the services are encouraged to exploit other sources of funding through advocacy.
Archives, Preservation, Information Service Delivery, Preservation Policies, Preservation Techniques
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