“Having new eyes” the changing face of the archive’s profession in South Africa

Purpose This paper aims to explore the ways in which the archives profession considered inclusivity and diversity in relation to minority groups with the objective to identify how innovation builds an inclusive archives in South Africa. Design/methodology/approach The paper uses a qualitative research approach that consists of a combination of literature review and expert interviews. The views from the interviewed expert archivists provide valuable insights, which compel this study to raise some important considerations regarding archives management, transformation and innovation. Findings The study indicates that there is a significant gap in the education and training of archivists, particularly regarding diversity management, and in archives and information communication technologies. A lack of these essential components in South African universities’ curricula limits the possibilities of building a diverse and digital-competent workforce in the archival profession. This gap may hinder the profession’s ability to adapt to global trends that include the use of digital archives and inclusivity in collections. Research limitations/implications The study focused on a few selected archivists. It would be better to conduct a survey of a larger group of archivists as this yields more data for a more comprehensive analysis of the responses and wider findings. Social implications The study will add to knowledge on how to foster diversity management in education and training and information communication technologies in archives management. This is an area of a high priority for the archives profession in South Africa. Originality/value The paper presents a timely exploration of the evolving landscape of archival practices, particularly regarding in inclusivity and diversity. Its values is in the way it addresses critical issues, such as the underrepresentation of minority groups in archival collections, while offering original insights that will add to a proposed new framework, which will push the boundaries of existing literature. The study also explores the untapped areas such as innovative solutions to the challenges archives human resources and management and thus, ensuring a unique and substantial contribution the discipline of archives management studies and practise.