Digitisation and metadata challenges: Experiences of the World Digital Library (Uganda)

摘要

Uganda joined the World Digital Library (WDL) fraternity in 2009. The aim was to digitize the Uganda cultural heritage and make it available online for easy access by the world users. Like any other new project, WDL Uganda hosted by the National Library of Uganda (NLU) has faced management challenges including: political, economic, social/cultural and technological challenges right from its inception to today. It is commendable that despite the challenges, WDL has persevered to the present time. Based on literature review, personal interviews among the stakeholders and field experiences of the WDL as Coordinator, the paper reviews the challenges encountered by WDL in metadata management. The paper further advances possible solutions to these challenges. The beneficiaries of the paper are envisaged to include WDL stakeholders particularly in developing countries, the users, administrators and other stakeholders. It is hoped this would enhance support and utilization of WDL services and create the link between world cultures.