Preserving Intellectual Heritage: The Role of Libraries and Archives in Ethiopian Contexts

Ethiopia's rich cultural heritage is underpinned by its vibrant intellectual tradition, encompassing literature, art, and philosophy. Libraries and archives play a critical role in preserving this heritage for future generations. A qualitative approach was employed, involving interviews with librarians and archivists, as well as a review of existing policies and practices related to the preservation of cultural materials. Interviews revealed that while there is a general awareness of the importance of preserving Ethiopian intellectual heritage, implementation challenges such as inadequate funding and personnel shortages are prevalent. The findings underscore the need for increased support from both governmental and non-governmental bodies to ensure libraries and archives in Ethiopia can effectively carry out their preservation roles. Recommendations include increasing financial allocations towards library and archive sectors, enhancing training programmes for staff, and fostering collaborations between institutions.