Informatics Studies

The paper discusses in detail the role universities can play in conservation of cultural heritage of the locality with the experts, lab facilities, informatics tools, and training systems they have which will not be available to conservation organizations or archaeological and cultural divisions of government. Universities can offer courses on heritage related areas, undertake research, and produce quality professionals and tools and techniques for heritage conservation. Most universities develop knowledge bases related to their locality, which include its history, culture, and heritage. Use of this can contribute to quality and relevance of conservation efforts; and this can be used to add value to heritage sites and stock. This study examines the use and awareness of information resources on African culture and heritage developed using DSpace at Ahmadu Bello University (ABU). The data collected from 150 students was analyzed using descriptive statistics of mean which revealed that they were aware of the resources through university website and other social media platforms. The study recommends close tie-ups by archeology and heritage conservation organizations and government departments with universities for human resources development programmes, lab facilities, research and development, and dissemination of information on heritages sites and stock.