Digital Preservation Strategies for Indigenous Knowledge in University Libraries in South West Nigeria

This study examined the digital preservation strategies employed by university libraries in South West Nigeria for the preservation of indigenous knowledge held in their collections. Indigenous knowledge, encompassing oral traditions, medicinal practices, agricultural techniques, and cultural expressions, is at risk of permanent loss unless systematically documented and preserved. A qualitative research design was employed, and data were gathered through in-depth interviews with digital preservation librarians and heads of special collections in eight universities across Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ekiti, and Ondo States. Document analysis of institutional preservation policies was also conducted. Findings revealed that while some institutions had initiated digitisation of indigenous knowledge materials, comprehensive preservation strategies were rare. Most programmes lacked metadata standards specific to indigenous knowledge, community consultation frameworks, and long-term file format migration plans. The study recommended the adoption of international indigenous knowledge preservation standards, community-engaged digitisation models, and the integration of local language metadata schemes to enhance discoverability. Keywords: digital preservation, indigenous knowledge, university libraries, South West Nigeria, metadata.