UbuntuNet Alliance is one of three international organizations to sign a partnership agreement with the Council on Library Information Resources (CLIR). CLIR is an independent, nonprofit organization based in the United States, that forges strategies to enhance research, teaching, and learning environments in collaboration with libraries, cultural institutions, and communities of higher learning. The two other international organizations under the same partnership are the Association of African Universities (AAU) and Réseau francophone numérique (RFN).
The Hidden Collections Africa programme seeks to digitally preserve collections held in Africa to promote knowledge and understanding of the African continent, the African diaspora, and their histories. This program will see UbuntuNet Alliance work together with CLIR to support program development, capacity building, digitization, and the integration of advanced technologies within the UbuntuNet Alliance research and education community. Together with CLIR, we will enable continent-wide outreach to academic, research, and cultural organizations, providing our community an opportunity to participate in the program.
The importance of this programme is clearly stated by Buhle Mbambo Thata, CLIR board chair and Librarian of the National University of Lesotho. “Africa needs digital environments, infrastructures, and digital skills to engage with creation of digital content from Africa. Hidden Collections Africa is an important opportunity to work toward digital equity, so that the voices in digital spaces represent all of humanity.”
Led by Africa-based professionals, Hidden Collections Africa will directly support institutions and staff across Africa to meet urgent preservation needs, close gaps in the historical record, and make records more accessible to users.
“UnbuntuNet Alliance is excited to partner on Hidden Collections Africa, working with national research and education networks across the African continent to preserve African cultural and natural heritage and make them accessible,” said UbuntuNet Alliance chief executive officer Madara Ogot.
Read the full article on CLIR’s website via: https://www.clir.org/2022/11/clir-announces-partnership-agreements-for-hidden-collections-africa/.