SAQA

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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY

REGISTERED QUALIFICATION:

Bachelor of Arts Honours in Archives and Records Management

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
112524	Bachelor of Arts Honours in Archives and Records Management
ORIGINATOR
University of South Africa
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY			NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-			HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework
QUALIFICATION TYPE	FIELD		SUBFIELD
Honours Degree	Field 04 - Communication Studies and Language		Information Studies
ABET BAND	MINIMUM CREDITS	PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL	NQF LEVEL	QUAL CLASS
Undefined	120	Not Applicable	NQF Level 08	Regular-Provider-ELOAC
REGISTRATION STATUS		SAQA DECISION NUMBER	REGISTRATION START DATE	REGISTRATION END DATE
Reregistered		EXCO 0821/24	2019-10-30	2027-06-30
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT		LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30		2031-06-30

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.

This qualification does not replace any other qualification and is not replaced by any other qualification.

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION

Purpose:
The Bachelor of Arts Honours in Archives and Records Management ensures learners develop effective, efficient and innovative archives and records management practices. South Africa needs learners who will be able to engage in:

Digital preservation.

Sound archival repository management and information security.

Guardians of authenticity.
This qualification will have a significant impact on the competency of practitioners in archives and records management in South Africa and beyond. The qualification will strengthen the capacity of the archivists and records managers in the field.

Learners completing this specialisation will critically solve problems in their vocation and integrate issues such as transformation, globalisation, new technologies and other archive and record concerns in their workplace and field. These include trending issues related to data curatorship, information and knowledge governance and archival diplomatic and digital records forensics as dynamics in the growing field of archives and records management. Professionals in the field will have the relevant knowledge, skills and values to remain abreast with changes in archives and records management practices, despite rapid technological advances.

Rationale:
The rationale for this qualification is to allow learners to advance their careers in archives and records management. Recent developments in the current information and knowledge economy have had an impact on the archival field. Therefore, this qualification offers learners an opportunity to keep abreast with these developments, with special emphasis in the areas of:

Information and knowledge governance.

Archival diplomatics and digital records forensics.

Data curatorship and management.

Research in archives and records management; and.

A research report in archives and records management.

The qualification basis is on information about the library environment, rather than specifically focussing on the fields of archives and records management. In 2015, sessions with local and international stakeholders from the industry took place to determine the curriculum for this qualification. Local stakeholders including, the National Archives and Records Service of South Africa (NARSSA), the South African Society of Archivists (SASA), archivists and record managers from South Africa, Zimbabwe, Botswana and Austria, academics from Higher Education Institutions and learners, International stakeholders included the University of Northumbria, United Kingdom, University of British Columbia, Canada (leaders in the field of archives and records management) and the East and Southern Regional Branch of the International Council on Archives (ESARBICA). Discussions indicated that there is a gap that needs to be filled to improve the skills of archivists and record managers in Africa.

Qualified practitioners in this field will provide the much-needed leadership and guidance in companies, government institutions, and academic institutions where employment within South Africa, Africa and internationally is possible. Job opportunities for such learners may include archivists, record managers, data curators, information security officers, knowledge managers, and others. The qualification allows learners to vertically articulate to the Master in Information Science, which is a qualification at NQF Level 9.

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
The achievement of part of the qualification is possible through RPL, which includes evidence of learning outcomes achieved through informal and non-formal learning, and work experience evidence. The RPL plan for this qualification aligns itself to the institution's RPL Policy, specifying guidelines for RPL portfolio development. All RPL assessment is done by the relevant academics within the Department of Information Science, against the outcomes.

Entry Requirements:
The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:

Bachelor of Arts in Archives and Records Management, NQF Level 7.
Or

Bachelor of Information Science, NQF Level 7.
Or

Bachelor of Information Systems, NQF Level 7.
Or

Bachelor of Public Administration, NQF Level 7.
Or

Bachelor in History, NQF Level 7.
Or

Bachelor of Political Science, NQF Level 7.

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

QUALIFICATION RULES

This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 8 totalling 120 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, 120 Credits:

Research Methodology in Information Science, 12 Credits.

Information and Knowledge Governance, 24 Credits.

Archival Diplomatics and Digital Records Forensics, 24 Credits.

Data Curatorship and Management, 24 Credits.

Research Report in Archives and Records Management, 36 Credits.

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

1. Manage functions and services related to archives and records management in the digital environment.
2. Implement and monitor information and knowledge governance according to set legislation, standards or policies on the management of information.
3. Relate to and identify challenges concerning data curation and management, with regards to digital records.
4. Solve problems of archives and records management in the digital environment.
5. Apply digital records forensics concepts and archival diplomatics to the management and preservation of digital records.
6. Use appropriate research methodologies to conduct a research project relating to aspects concerning archives and records management.

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:

The development of digital technology is analysed and evaluated.

Relevant and appropriate concepts relating to digital records in various types of information systems, applications and media are identified and explained.

Digital documentary evidence including the nature, function, use and values are explained and contextualised.

Legislation impacting on admissibility of digital records as evidence in South Africa, Africa and globally are thoroughly explored and analysed.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:

Description of the importance of information policy includes an overview of how organisations access, is acquired, stored, used, disseminated and disposed of information.

Comparison of different information policies from different work environments is assessed for the appropriateness of such policies for the different organisations.

Analysis of the necessity for information policies in the workplace includes a strategy to raise the awareness of such policies in the workplace is demonstrated.

Discussion on information security in organisations shows the risks related to information management is demonstrated.

Illustration of the link between information management and information security states how organisations can manage the risks related to information management is demonstrated.

Discussion on information security in organisations tells how the use of appropriate technology and other measures can be used to safeguard organisational information is demonstrated.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:

Description of the development of digital technology is evaluated through the interrogation of multiple perspectives.

Description of how the systems are utilised for data management includes the management principles and is evaluative.

Review of the literature pertaining to data management and data curatorship to ascertain the key people in the field, with summaries of their main arguments, with correct referencing techniques is demonstrated.

Differentiation between digital curation (relating to maintaining, preserving) and adding value to digital research data is clearly argued in paragraph answers.

Analysis of data curation to show life cycle and usefulness, with application examples is demonstrated.

Interpretation of the systems and processes related to metadata is accurately and reliably and responded to accepted international standards is demonstrated.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:

The admissibility of digital records as evidence in courts, banks, revenue services and other government agencies are explained and analysed.

The security of digital record systems is identified and explained.

A given case study on the use of digital records is explored, based on their form, formation and consequences, as per an example provided of cell phone messages.

The elements of digital records, including both extrinsic and intrinsic elements are explained.

Different storage for digital records, including the cloud system and new storage opportunities are explored and explained.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:

Archival diplomatics, including the origin, nature and purpose are explained.

A case study applying the principle of archival diplomatics to digital records in their chosen organisation, including retrospective and prospective ways are analysed.

Methods of archival diplomatics and digital records forensic in determining the authenticity of digital records are analysed.

A case study determining the authenticity of digital records in organisations such as courts, audit firms, home affairs, banks, etc. is documented.

Solutions to maintaining the authenticity of records, including the concepts of reliability, authentic and integrity of digital records with examples are analysed.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:

Discussions and evaluation of the importance of the literature review display consideration for the key role it plays in the conduct of scientific research in a variety of contexts is demonstrated.

Discussions and evaluation of research paradigms, approaches, designs and methods display a consideration for the key research methods that answer the research questions in a variety of contexts is demonstrated.

Discussions and evaluation of the research problem display consideration for the key research question and/or hypothesis when conducting scientific research in the field of archival and records management is demonstrated.

Sketches of the programme of the research design emphasise the need for an appropriate research methodology when conducting research in the field of archival and records management is demonstrated.

Comparisons and evaluations of data collection instruments show consideration of the research tools that facilitate the research process in the field of archival and records management is demonstrated.

Integrated Assessment:
A range of formative and summative assessment will include more than one assessment approach as the online modules. The integrated assessment in the form of a capstone research project module will enable learners to address all the Exit Level Outcomes collectively. Also, use technology efficiently, plan and implement a research project that will result in a research report, interpret and use policies or legislation concerning information governance, use digital forensics concepts to investigate the authenticity of digital records and participate in data curation or data management projects.

INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY

International institutions offer a similar qualification, where each institution present aspects of similarity as indicated in the modules to be offered by in this qualification. Examples include the International Council on Archives (France), University of College London (United Kingdom), University of Manitoba (Canada), Monash University (Australia), and the University of South Australia (Australia) which all are similar to the module on Data Curation and Management in this qualification. Overall these modules focus on digital curation technologies, data structures, automated processes and machine learning, analysis of digital objects and automation, which is in line with the outcomes and assessment criteria in this module on data curation and management.

In terms of the module on Information and Knowledge Governance, the University of Aberystwyth (Wales, UK), University of British Columbia (Canada) and Monash University (Australia) offer a similar module. Similar to the module in this qualification, the module offered at these institutions focus on techniques of information and communication audits towards improved governance through knowledge and information architecture, taxonomies and practices in the changing information environment. Its application focuses on information governance and the handling of knowledge and information as organisational and societal assets.

Overall the alignment between this qualification and with the University of British Columbia (Canada) are very similar. Similar modules are offered at postgraduate level to prepare learners for Masters of Archival Science. The University of British Columbia (UBC) is a leader in archives and records management education. The UBC School of Library, Archives and Information Science was ranked number one in the world in 2019 and previously in 2015.

There is an integration of the theoretical and methodological frameworks that will support the development of integrated and consistent local, national and international networks of policies, procedures, regulations, standards and legislation concerning digital records. Due to the technological developments and advancements, which expands beyond the fourth industrial revolution. The need for the effective and reputable management of records to ensure, among other things authenticity to ensure public trust grounded on evidence of good governance, a strong digital economy, and persistent digital memory, motivated the foci of the InterPARES project. In the African context, this project under the Department of Information Science at the institution addressed two interrelated aims:

To provide a systematic assessment of the extent to which institutions on the African continent are managing digital records and the curriculum at the institutions of higher learning.

To examine the management of the records are using Internet-based applications and what risks African institutions face by following the global trend, e.g. cloud management and the use of augmented technologies.

The Archival Science qualification offered by the University of British Columbia prepares professionals to exercise creativity, integrity and leadership in designing, implementing and promoting programmes and systems for the creation, organisation, management, preservation and effective use of records and archives. Programme content focuses on information governance, digital records forensic, archival diplomatics and data curatorship. The outcomes for the qualification include:

Graduates apply the foundational knowledge and skills of the profession. Specifically, graduates have the ability to:
> Identify, analyse and assess the information needs of diverse individuals, communities and organisations, and respond to those needs through the design, provision and assessment of information resources, services and systems;
> Appraise, organise and manage information for practical preservation, discovery, access and use;
> Apply knowledge of current and emerging technologies to real-world situations, taking into account the perspectives of institutional and community stakeholders; and
> Reflect in a critical and informed manner on individual and institutional practices and the role of the information professions in society.

Graduates can communicate effectively. Specifically, graduates have the ability to:
> Articulate ideas and concepts fluently and thoughtfully in a variety of communication modes; and
> Assess, select and employ communication and instructional tools based on an understanding of diverse communicative goals and audiences.

Graduates can work effectively in a team and institutional settings. Specifically, graduates have the ability to:
> Demonstrate leadership, initiative and effective collaboration within the team and small group settings; and
> Apply the principles of effective management and decision-making to organisational issues and challenges.

Graduates can conduct original research and assessment. Specifically, graduates have the ability to:
> Synthesise and apply an existing scholarship from their field of knowledge and from related fields to identify and analyse significant theoretical and practical questions; and
> Design and execute programmes of inquiry and assessment informed by relevant theory and method.

On module level, outcomes relate to the following:

Identify digital records in various types of information systems and applications.

Relate the characteristics, behaviour and functions of different types of digital records to their use and management.

Use diplomatics knowledge in the digital environment to complement digital forensics in both a retrospective way (to analyse what exists) and a prospective way (to establish what should exist.

Develop a range of solutions to the issues associated with maintaining the authenticity of digital records throughout their use, management and preservation; and

Identify the legal issues associated with digital records in various types of information systems, applications and media, and assess their admissibility as evidence.

Within the context of Africa, there are no similar qualifications. Countries such as Botswana, Ghana, Kenya, Tanzania, follow a four-year professional focus and structured Bachelor degree, followed by a Masters qualification. These institutions thus do not offer any Honours qualifications in Archives and Records Management.

This qualification is comparable to similar qualifications from around the world concerning outcomes and assessment criteria, the level of depth and complexity involved in the study process, and with due regard to notional learning time. The design of the qualification is to address needs in South Africa and the African continent. Learners will develop higher-level skills progressing from their undergraduate qualifications. The coursework compares favourably with other course contents offered internationally. The difference would be that most international institutions describe this qualification as a 'Postgraduate Diploma' and not 'Honours' as is the case in the South African context. The Honours qualification allows learners to continue to a Masters qualification at NQF Level 9 after completion of the qualification.

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

This qualification allows possibilities for both vertical and horizontal articulation.

Horizontal Articulation:

Bachelor of Information Science Honours, NQF Level 8.

Postgraduate Diploma in Library and Information Science, NQF Level 8.

Vertical Articulation:

Master of Library and Information Studies, NQF Level 9.

MODERATION OPTIONS

N/A

CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS

N/A

NOTES

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LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION:

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PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS QUALIFICATION:

This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.

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