Paper short abstract:

This research examines how libraries use digitization to preserve and provide access to indigenous heritage. It highlights innovative strategies, challenges, and opportunities for safeguarding cultural traditions in the digital age, emphasizing the role of libraries as stewards of cultural memory.

Paper long abstract:

This study explores the pivotal role of libraries in safeguarding indigenous heritage through digitization. In the face of rapid globalization, cultural erosion, and the loss of traditional knowledge, libraries have emerged as essential custodians of cultural memory. By leveraging digital technologies, libraries provide innovative pathways for preserving indigenous traditions, including oral histories, artifacts, music, art, and written records.

The research delves into the processes and challenges involved in digitizing indigenous heritage, such as ethical considerations, intellectual property rights, and the need for cultural sensitivity in handling sacred materials. It examines case studies of successful digitization projects, highlighting best practices in collaboration with indigenous communities to ensure representation and agency in how their heritage is documented and accessed.

Additionally, the study addresses the opportunities digitization offers for broader access and education. By transforming fragile, localized artifacts into globally accessible digital formats, libraries enable the wider dissemination of cultural knowledge while fostering cross-cultural understanding and appreciation. However, it also critiques potential drawbacks, such as digital inequities and the risk of misrepresentation or exploitation of indigenous content.

Through a combination of qualitative analysis and stakeholder interviews, the paper emphasizes the need for inclusive frameworks that align technological advancements with the values and priorities of indigenous communities. Ultimately, this research positions libraries as critical actors in the digital preservation of indigenous heritage, advocating for sustained investment, ethical collaboration, and innovation to ensure cultural traditions endure in the digital age.