EFFECTS OF RECORD ACCESSIBILITY ON THE RECORD MANAGEMENT PERFORMANCE IN HIGHER LEARNING INSTITUTIONS

Author

Aneth Msofe, Haji Ng’elenge


Abstract

 The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of record accessibility on records management performance in higher learning institutions using Mkwawa University College of Education (MUCE) as a case study. The study focused on how accessibility of records affects records management performance in terms of proper storage, timely retrieval, record accuracy and record reliability. A mixed research approach with an explanatory research design was adopted. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected through structured questionnaires administered to 217 staff members and semi-structured interviews conducted with five key informants. Quantitative data were analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20 through frequencies and percentages, while qualitative data were analysed using thematic analysis. The findings showed that record accessibility improved proper storage, timely retrieval and record accuracy, while its influence on record reliability was limited. The study concludes that accessible records contribute to improved records management performance by supporting timely retrieval, proper storage and record accuracy at MUCE. The study recommends that higher learning institutions strengthen record classification, indexing, storage and retrieval procedures to improve accessibility and records management performance. Further studies should examine record accessibility in other higher learning institutions using larger samples and different study settings.



Keywords

Record accessibility; records management performance; higher learning institutions; record storage; timely retrieval; record accuracy; record reliability; Mkwawa University College of Education.



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References


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