Purpose

This paper aims to assess how the South African National Standard (SANS) 15489 improves the importance and usability of the archives at the University of Venda (UNIVEN) and the University of Witwatersrand (WITS).

Design/methodology/approach

Both quantitative and qualitative methods are used to assess how the standards improve the importance and usability of the archives. A total of 34 participants were selected to participate in the study; the choice of the population was because they are responsible for records management decisions in various divisions, departments and units. Data was obtained through structured interviews and observation. The study has established that there was much dissonance concerning records and archives management standards. Ethics approval was obtained from both the WITS and the UNIVEN research department. Informed consent was obtained from university staff members.

Findings

The research found that only the WITS adopted SANS 15489. This was shown by the availability of a classification system (file plan) and retention schedule while the UNIVEN did not value SANS 15489 standards to manage all records created.

Research limitations/implications

Although South Africa has 26 public universities, this study is only confined to the UNIVEN and the WITS. The researcher only focusses on the classification of records and disposal of records elements of SANS 15489.

Practical implications

The findings have practical implications in that they can be used for assessing the archives and records management programmes. Other related universities can also use the findings as a reference point in the planning of university archives and records management programmes.

Social implications

The findings were to assist the university authorities as decision and policymakers to ensure that records and archives management practices adhere to SANS 15489.

Originality/value

Few studies related to the assessment of records management programme in universities in South Africa is not yet fully conducted in South Africa public universities. This study could be a valuable input for universities to adopt SANS 15489 standards to develop and implement records management programmes.

中文翻译：

---

评估南非国家标准 15489 如何提高档案的重要性和可用性：文达大学和威特沃特斯兰德大学的案例

目的

本文旨在评估南非国家标准 (SANS) 15489 如何提高文达大学 (UNIVEN) 和威特沃特斯兰德大学 (WITS) 档案的重要性和可用性。

设计/方法/方法

定量和定性方法都用于评估标准如何提高档案的重要性和可用性。共有 34 名参与者被选中参与研究；选择人口是因为他们负责各个司、部门和单位的记录管理决策。数据是通过结构化访谈和观察获得的。研究表明，在记录和档案管理标准方面存在很多分歧。获得了 WITS 和 UNIVEN 研究部门的伦理批准。获得了大学工作人员的知情同意。

发现

研究发现，只有 WITS 采用了 SANS 15489。这体现在分类系统（档案计划）和保留时间表的可用性上，而 UNIVEN 并不重视 SANS 15489 标准来管理所有创建的记录。

研究限制/影响

虽然南非有 26 所公立大学，但这项研究仅限于 UNIVEN 和 WITS。研究人员只关注SANS 15489的记录分类和记录元素的处理。

实际影响

调查结果具有实际意义，因为它们可用于评估档案和记录管理计划。其他相关大学也可以将调查结果作为大学档案和档案管理计划规划的参考点。

社会影响

调查结果将协助作为决策者和政策制定者的大学当局确保记录和档案管理实践符合 SANS 15489。

原创性/价值

南非公立大学尚未全面开展与南非大学记录管理计划评估相关的研究。对于大学采用 SANS 15489 标准来制定和实施记录管理计划而言，这项研究可能是一项宝贵的投入。