Design, Implementation, and Evaluation of a Digital Archive for Postcolonial Diplomacy Histories

Thesis Abstract

The study addresses the fragmentation and inaccessibility of postcolonial diplomatic histories, which hampers nuanced understanding of comparative diplomacy and challenges researchers, librarians, and policymakers seeking transparent, interoperable archival resources. It aims to design, implement, and evaluate a digital archive that aggregates primary and secondary sources on postcolonial diplomacy, with a focus on provenance, metadata interoperability, and user-centered retrieval. Specific objectives are to (i) map archival gaps in postcolonial diplomacy literatures across three regional theatres (Africa, Asia, and the Caribbean) and identify core metadata schemas; (ii) develop a scalable metadata-driven architecture and a digital repository using IIIF-compliant media delivery, linked data vocabularies, and a modular searchable interface; (iii) implement data ingestion pipelines, quality control protocols, and access controls that support both scholarly and public engagement; (iv) evaluate usability and scholarly impact through a mixed-methods assessment, and (v) propose a sustainable governance and sustainability model for long-term maintenance. The methodology adopts a design-based research approach, combining iterative design cycles with empirical evaluation. The population comprises digitized archival objects (n=10,000 items) and scholarly metadata records sourced from three national archives and two university libraries, supplemented by ten expert interviews and two focus groups totaling 18 participants. A purposive sample of 250 item records across five diplomatic case studies will be selected to test metadata schemas and retrieval functionality. Data collection instruments include a structured metadata audit tool, a system usability scale (SUS) questionnaire administered to 60 pilot users, semi-structured interview guides for 12 archival professionals and 6 researchers, and usage analytics logs tracked over a 12-month pilot phase. Analytical methods include descriptive statistics for metadata completeness (Cronbach’s alpha for instrument reliability, target ??0. Eight), thematic analysis for interview transcripts (following Braun and Clarke), regression analysis correlating usability scores with task success rates, and network analysis of linked data relationships to assess interoperability. A pilot deployment will test IIIF-based image rendering, controlled vocabularies (DC, SKOS, and schema.org), and SPARQL endpoint queries. The study will apply information behavior theory and the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) to interpret user engagement, with a theoretical lens drawn from postcolonial theory to frame interpretive analyses of archival content selection and representation. Expected findings include (a) a validated Metadata Framework for Postcolonial Diplomacy History (MFPDH) integrating Dublin Core, METS, PREMIS, and SKOS concepts tailored to diplomatic sources; (b) demonstrable improvements in retrieval precision and recall (target improvement of 25–40% over baseline searches) and enhanced metadata completeness (average completeness score ? 0.85); (c) evidence that IIIF-compliant delivery and linked data substantially reduce access barriers for researchers and educators; (d) insights into user engagement patterns that reveal higher satisfaction among graduate students and early-career researchers; and (e) a governance model outlining responsibilities, funding sources, and community-partner commitments for sustained stewardship. The study contributes to knowledge by delivering a replicable framework for digital archives that center postcolonial diplomatic histories, advancing methods for metadata interoperability, digital curation, and participatory evaluation in a domain that combines archival science, memory studies, and international studies. It fills gaps in the literature regarding scalable architectures for diplomatic archives, practical methods for integrating disparate archival ecosystems, and empirical evidence on usability and scholarly impact of digital heritage resources in postcolonial contexts. The conclusion anticipates that a standards-driven, user-centered digital archive can significantly enhance access to and interpretation of postcolonial diplomacy histories, enabling cross-border comparative research and pedagogical use. Recommendations include adopting open, machine-readable metadata schemas; expanding the repository to incorporate audiovisual diplomacy records; establishing collaborative governance with national archives and universities; and pursuing long-term funding models through consortium-based support and grant programs to maintain data integrity, software sustainability, and ongoing user training.