Harmonising collections dispersed across galleries, libraries, archives, and museums in a comprehensive open distance e-learning institution

Abstract

The convergence of collections that hold library, archive, and museum (LAM) status under the libraries and information services (LIS) umbrella at academic institutions creates a cohesive educational environment that provides a formidable tuition and pedagogical foundation. However, little research has been conducted on the integration of diverse collections through information resource content management strategies within LIS. This study, therefore, sought to establish integration guidelines for information resource content management to provide support services for information seekers at LIS structures in an open distance learning space. The study utilised a systematic literature review as a qualitative research method to highlight the importance of integrating collections to enhance usability value for users. The selected theoretical framework, namely postmodern museology, institutional theory, and historical institutionalism serves as a collective lens to explore the critical role of managing information resource content in alignment with these theoretical parameters. The findings of the study revealed that aligning theories and tuition practices across diverse collections is crucial for facilitating information and knowledge discourses.