Assessing the Effectiveness of Records and Archives Management Department (RAMD) in improving records management at the Temeke Municipal Council, Tanzania

Abstract

This paper presents the findings of a study that was carried out to assess the effectiveness of Records and Archives Management Department (RAMD) in improving records management at the Temeke Municipal Council (TMC), particularly determining the state of records management systems established by RAMD, finding out awareness programs on legal frameworks conducted by RAMD to raise awareness among staff and finding out general records management support provided by RAMD at the TMC. The study employed mixed methods research design where by data for the study were obtained through the use of interview, questionnaire, observation, journals, articles, unpublished dissertation and government newspapers. The study had a sample size of 88 respondents who were purposively selected from the targeted population. Key findings revealed that RAMD is not effective enough to address issues of records management systems, awareness programs for better management of records, supporting transfer of semi-current records to records centers and congestion of files. The study concludes that the role of RAMD in improving records management at the TMC was not effective. Following the highlighted challenges the study recommends RAMD to; create awareness programs, providing adequate space for storage of closed file and advices public offices on better systems for records management.