Conceptualising archival heritage management in Jordan: policy, digitisation, and public access
Abstract
This study examines the transformation of archival governance from a traditional protection-oriented paradigm to an integrated management framework, with a specific focus on the Jordanian context. While archival institutions have historically prioritised the safeguarding and preservation of documentary materials, contemporary developments in digital technology, governance models, and public expectations necessitate a broader and more strategic approach. A hypothesis is proposed that leads to an integrated model for managing the efficiency, accessibility, and public value of archival institutions. Adopting a qualitative analytical methodology, the research draws on international legal frameworks, heritage management guidelines, and archival theory to assess the conceptual and structural evolution of documentary heritage governance. A comparative analytical framework is employed to identify the key differences between protection-based and management-oriented models, particularly in relation to policy coherence, digitisation strategies, and public accessibility. The findings reveal that archival governance in Jordan remains largely influenced by custodial practices, with emerging yet fragmented digitisation initiatives and limited structured public engagement mechanisms. The study highlights the absence of comprehensive management plans and coordinated national digitisation policies as critical gaps. The paper argues that effective archival heritage management in Jordan requires the integration of three interdependent pillars: strategic policy development, structured digitisation frameworks, and inclusive access mechanisms. By aligning national practices with international standards–particularly UNESCOʼs Memory of the World Programme–Jordan can reposition its archives as dynamic cultural assets that contribute to transparency, knowledge production, and national identity formation in the digital age (UNESCO, 2015)