Design, implementation and evaluation of regional archival networks for postcolonial history research

Thesis Abstract

The study investigates how regional archival networks can be designed, implemented, and evaluated to advance postcolonial history research by addressing access fragmentation, uneven preservation standards, and epistemic dominance in archival practices. The central problem is that fragmented regional archives hinder comparative and transnational analyses essential for constructing nuanced postcolonial histories. The aim is to develop a scalable framework for regional archival networks that enhances discoverability, interoperability, and collaborative governance among archival institutions across multiple regions. Specific objectives are (1) to map existing regional archival infrastructures, (2) to design an integrated, metadata-standardized network architecture, (3) to implement a pilot network with five partner archives and an interoperable digital platform, (4) to evaluate user access, collection discoverability, and research output, and (5) to formulate governance and sustainability models for long-term operation. Methodologically, the study adopts a mixed-methods design anchored in design, implementation, and evaluation (DIE) research principles. The population comprises twenty regional archives across West Africa, the Caribbean, and parts of South Asia, focusing on postcolonial-era holdings (1945–1995). A purposive sample of six archives with diverse cataloging practices and digital readiness will participate in the pilot. Data collection includes (a) archival metadata audits and interoperability tests using the Library of Congress and Dublin Core standards, (b) semi-structured interviews with 18 archivists and 12 researchers to assess usability, governance, and perceived impact, (c) observation of three collaborative workflows (collection ingestion, metadata mapping, and access requests), and (d) user analytics from the pilot platform covering 1,200 search sessions and 350 full-text views over six months. Instruments consist of a metadata conformity checklist, a system usability scale (SUS) survey, interview guides, and platform analytics dashboards. Validity and reliability are ensured through triangulation of metadata audits, interview data, and user analytics, pilot-testing of instruments, and inter-coder reliability checks (Cohen’s kappa ? 0.80 for qualitative coding). Data analysis employs descriptive statistics for metadata quality and usage metrics, regression analysis to examine factors predicting researcher satisfaction (platform usability, metadata completeness, and response times), thematic analysis of interview transcripts to identify enablers and barriers, and social network analysis to characterize collaborative interactions among archives. A convergent mixed-methods approach will integrate quantitative indicators (discoverability index, time-to-access, frequency of successful data retrieval) with qualitative insights on governance and trust. A conceptual model drawing on Information Seeking Theory and Resource Dependence Theory will guide interpretation of user behavior and institutional collaboration dynamics, while a pragmatic theory lens informs design decisions. Expected findings include (i) a replicable architectural blueprint for regional archival networks emphasizing standardized metadata schemas, shared controlled vocabularies, and a federated search layer; (ii) evidence that co-located governance bodies and shared digitization priorities improve metadata quality and user satisfaction; (iii) demonstrable improvements in discovery rates and reduced time to access for postcolonial materials across partner archives; and (iv) identification of scalability constraints, such as funding volatility and legal constraints on data sharing, with proposed mitigation strategies. The study anticipates that the regional network will facilitate cross-archive discovery of postcolonial narratives, enabling more robust comparative studies and diversifying historiography. The study contributes to knowledge by operationalizing a practical framework for regional archival networks that bridges technical interoperability with institutional collaboration, informing archival governance in postcolonial contexts and offering a model transferable to other global regions. It advances methodological discourse by integrating design-research with rigorous evaluation to produce actionable, scalable solutions for archival networks. Policy implications include recommendations for funding mechanisms, standard-setting bodies, and capacity-building programs to sustain regional archives, as well as guidelines for ethical data sharing and researcher engagement. The main conclusion anticipates that a well-designed regional archival network can significantly enhance access, discovery, and collaboration for postcolonial history research, provided that it is underpinned by durable governance arrangements, ongoing capacity-building, and continuous metadata improvement. Recommendations emphasize iterative platform enhancements, expanded partner recruitment, long-term funding, and the establishment of a regional archive consortium to oversee standards, quality assurance, and knowledge exchange.