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Indian Journal of Library and Information Sciences 20(2):p 159-162, May - August 2026. | DOI: https://doi.org/10.21088/ijlis.0973.9548.20226.4
Original Article
Role of Libraries in Digital Archives for Indigenous Knowledge and Cultural Sustainability
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Attribution-Non-commercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0)This license enables reusers to distribute, remix, adapt, and build upon the material in any medium or format for noncommercial purposes only, and only so long as attribution is given to the creator.
Indian Journal of Library and Information Sciences 20(2):p 159-162, May - August 2026. | DOI: https://doi.org/10.21088/ijlis.0973.9548.20226.4
How Cite This Article:
Kaushal Chauhan. Role of Libraries in Digital Archives for Indigenous Knowledge and Cultural Sustainability. Ind J Lib Inf Sci 2026; 20 (2): 159–162.Timeline
Received : April 30, 2026
Accepted : June 02, 2026
Published : August 30, 2026
Abstract
Indigenous knowledge represents the living memory, spiritual essence, and cultural continuity of Aboriginal and tribal communities. This heritage, transmitted through oral traditions, rituals, and ecological wisdom, is increasingly at risk of erosion in the digital age. This paper explores the vital role libraries play in preserving and promoting Indigenous knowledge through digital archiving. It examines how digitization, metadata creation, and open-access initiatives can safeguard cultural narratives while ensuring equitable access to authentic Indigenous voices. The study emphasizes the importance of community participation, ethical stewardship, and data sovereignty to avoid digital colonialism. Libraries, as mediators of knowledge and culture, must move beyond their traditional custodial role to become active collaborators in sustaining Indigenous epistemologies. By blending technology with cultural ethics, libraries can ensure that Indigenous knowledge systems remain accessible, respectful, and sustainable for future generations.
References
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- 5. First Archivists Circle. (2007). Protocols for Native American Archival Materials. Retrieved from http://www2.nau.edu/libnap-p/
- 6. Hunter, J. (2019). Preserving culture digitally: Technologies for Indigenous archives. Library Trends, 67(4), 691–709.
- 7. Janke, T., & Iacovino, L. (2012). Keeping cultures alive: Archives and Indigenous heritage. Archival Science, 12(2), 151–171.
- 8. Keane, M. (2015). Libraries and Indigenous knowledge: A framework for inclusion. IFLA Journal, 41(3), 205–216.
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Data Sharing Statement
There are no additional data available. All raw data and code are available upon request.
Funding
This research received no funding.
Author Contributions
All authors contributed significantly to the work and approve its publication.
Ethics Declaration
This article does not involve any human or animal subjects, and therefore does not require ethics approval.
Acknowledgements
We would like to express our gratitude to the patients, their families, and all those who have contributed to this study.
Conflicts of Interest
No conflicts of interest in this work.
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Cite this article
Kaushal Chauhan. Role of Libraries in Digital Archives for Indigenous Knowledge and Cultural Sustainability. Ind J Lib Inf Sci 2026; 20 (2): 159–162.
Licence:
Attribution-Non-commercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0)This license enables reusers to distribute, remix, adapt, and build upon the material in any medium or format for noncommercial purposes only, and only so long as attribution is given to the creator.
| Received | Accepted | Published |
|---|---|---|
| April 30, 2026 | June 02, 2026 | August 30, 2026 |
DOI: https://doi.org/10.21088/ijlis.0973.9548.20226.4
Keywords
Indigenous knowledgeDigital archivesLibrariesCultural sustainabilityOral traditionsOpen accessData sovereigntySearch for Similar Articles
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Timeline
| Received | April 30, 2026 |
| Accepted | June 02, 2026 |
| Published | August 30, 2026 |
licence
Attribution-Non-commercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0)
This license enables reusers to distribute, remix, adapt, and build upon the material in any medium or format for noncommercial purposes only, and only so long as attribution is given to the creator.
