Digital Archiving and Public Memory of Post-Colonial Movements

Thesis Abstract

The preservation and dissemination of post-colonial movements' historical narratives have been increasingly shaped by digital archiving practices, raising critical questions about how these digital repositories influence public memory and collective understanding of decolonization processes. This study addresses the gaps in understanding the role of digital archiving in shaping contemporary perceptions of post-colonial struggles by examining how digital platforms serve as repositories of marginalized histories and influence public engagement with post-colonial narratives. The primary aim is to analyze the extent to which digital archives contribute to collective memory formation and identity reconstruction among post-colonial communities, with specific objectives to identify the types of digital materials preserved, assess user engagement levels, and evaluate the impact of digital archiving on public historical consciousness. Employing a mixed-methods research design, the study integrates qualitative approaches—including thematic analysis of content and user interviews—and quantitative methods, such as surveys and usage statistics analysis. The population encompasses digital archives related to post-colonial movements, digital platform users, and key stakeholders involved in digital archiving initiatives across West Africa, with a targeted sample of 300 digital users through stratified random sampling and 20 archiving experts via purposive sampling. Data collection instruments include structured questionnaires, semi-structured interviews, and content analysis grids, ensuring triangulation of findings. Validity and reliability are maintained through pilot testing, inter-coder reliability checks for qualitative data, and statistical validation techniques such as Cronbach's alpha and factor analysis for survey instruments. Data analysis is conducted via NVivo for qualitative thematic coding, SPSS for quantitative analysis, and regression analysis to examine relationships between digitization variables and public engagement metrics. It is anticipated that the findings will reveal that digital archives significantly enhance accessibility and visibility of post-colonial histories, fostering increased community participation and enabling diverse narratives to influence collective remembrance. The study is expected to identify specific digital features—such as interactive timelines, multimedia content, and user-generated contributions—that positively correlate with engagement levels. An important contribution will be the development of a conceptual framework integrating theories of collective memory (e.g., Maurice Halbwachs’ collective memory theory) and digital participatory culture, demonstrating how digital archives serve as dynamic spaces for memory reconstruction. These insights will contribute to scholarly debates on digital humanities, memory studies, and post-colonial theory by emphasizing the potential of ICT to democratize history and challenge hegemonic narratives. The main conclusion underscores the transformative potential of digital archiving in reshaping public memory of post-colonial movements, particularly in marginalized communities seeking to assert their histories in digital spaces. Recommendations include the need for strategic collaboration among archivists, policymakers, and community stakeholders to enhance digital infrastructure, develop inclusive content management policies, and promote digital literacy initiatives. Further research should explore longitudinal impacts of digital archives on intergenerational memory transfer and identity formation, as well as comparative studies across different regional contexts to assess the universality of these findings. This study thus advances the understanding of digital archives as critical tools for sustaining post-colonial histories and fostering a more inclusive and participatory public memory landscape.