Role of indexing language in management and retrieval of heritage information at Ahmadu Bello University of Zaria

Since the 19th century, the world has witnessed an exponential growth in information which made indexing language crucial for information retrieval. The present study attempts to assess the role of indexing language in information management in museum and archive contexts. The sample population of the study consists 239 scientists, faculty, and students at Arewa House - the Center for Historical Documentation and Research, of the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. Kaduna State, Nigeria. The data obtained from them was analyzed using frequency distribution and percentages. A parametric test of Kruska-walis was used to test the hypothesis. All the hypotheses are tested at 0.05 alpha level of confidence. Findings revealed that most users lacked exposure to indexing skills. Adequate use of standardized indexing languages, development of language technologies, locally training experts, scientists, and faculty and students on the use of indices to meet the information needs was found to be essential for making use of heritage information and conserving the heritage of Northern Africa.