Various studies in library and information science have emphasized that indigenous knowledge management is still a neglected area and a challenge in the discipline of information management. However, the rationale for this neglect and driving challenges in university libraries has not been documented from the practitioner's perspective. This chapter shares lived experiences from experienced senior staff of public University libraries in Uganda regarding the management of African Indigenous knowledge collections. The study uses the theoretical lens of Wilson's information behavior model interpolated with participants' views to gain insight into the perspectives of the practitioners. The findings revealed challenges in lack of appropriate metadata descriptors to accommodate this knowledge, biased knowledge organization tools that are incompatible with African indigenous knowledge metadata characteristics, and limited funding in university libraries for research and indigenous knowledge collection development.
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Indigenous Knowledge (IK) refers to the knowledge, innovation, and practices of indigenous and local communities around the world, developed from experience over centuries (Grienier, 1998; Broadhead & Howard, 2011). Indigenous knowledge is adapted to the local culture and environment and transmitted orally from generation to generation (Nakata & Langton, 2005). Indigenous knowledge is critical for the survival of under privileged communities because it informs decision - making and sustainable development (Grienier, 1998; Kiggundu, 2007). Indigenous knowledge is a pillar for creativity, growth, and advancement in nations across the globe (Ezeanya-Esiobu, 2019). Indigenous knowledge systems are vast including knowledge of ecology, hunting, food preservation and aesthetics (Gateway Development Tanzania, 2011; Grenier, 1998). It also entails learning systems, local organization, controls and enforcement, local classification, and quantification systems (Lwoga, Ngulube, & Stilwell, 2011). Other components include human health, animals and animal diseases, traditional water management, soil conservation practices, agroforestry, conflict resolution and agriculture (Abdulla, 2016; Mawere, 2015; Kovach, 2015). Indigenous knowledge is on the verge of extinction globally (IFLA, 2002; Cámara-Leret, & Bascompte, 2021). A recent study (Cámara-Leret, & Bascompte, 2021) revealed that language extinction triggers the loss of indigenous medicinal knowledge. The United Nations proclamation of 2022–2032 as the International Decade of Indigenous languages seeks to raise more awareness globally on the need to preserve indigenous languages as a means for safeguarding heritage and sustainable development. The proclamation also raises awareness on the impeding danger of loss of massive indigenous knowledge if nations do not develop strategies to preserve it. Language was also identified as a tool through which indigenous knowledge is transferred from one generation to another.
A study conducted in Uganda, revealed that loss of Indigenous knowledge is still a threat in Uganda due to its oral nature, inadequate documentation, acculturation, colonization, and globalization, yet it is important for the survival of local communities and sustainable development (Tabuti & Van Damme, 2012). Various studies have emphasized the need for deliberate efforts by countries globally to preserve indigenous knowledge for enhancing sustainable development (Abdulla, 2016; Gateway Development Tanzania, 2011; Lwoga, Ngulube, & Stilwell, 2011; Mawere, 2015; WSIS, 2013). Indigenous knowledge forms the foundation of knowledge for much of Africa’s population, nonetheless, this knowledge is neglected (Ezeanya-Esiobu, 2019). Libraries and information scientists play a fundamental role in promoting access to indigenous knowledge and preserving the indigenous heritage of a nation (IFLA, 2008; IFLA, 2023). IFLA (2008) highlights the different roles that libraries should play in the context of indigenous knowledge management including, identifying, collecting, preserving, and disseminating indigenous knowledge by publicizing the value, contribution, and importance of indigenous knowledge to both non-indigenous and indigenous people as well as protecting intellectual property rights of the communities.