Extending the mission of archives, libraries and museums beyond the storage of knowledge: the case of Matsieng Royal Archives, Museum and Information Centre

Abstract

King Moshoeshoe II (1938- 1996), a University of Oxford graduate had accumulated many books and documents during his lifetime as he was a well read prolific writer. Members of the royal family became worried about the safety of his collection after his death. They therefore requested some individuals with different professional skills to assist with the safekeeping of these documents. Records in Maseru and Matsieng palaces were rescued and it was decided that the suitable home for this collection should be Matsieng at the former offices of the Paramount Chief Moshoeshoe II. Matsieng Royal Archives and Museum and information Centre came into being under the care of Matsieng Royal Board of Trustees. From the inception of the project Matsieng community was involved. The community was sensitized about the establishment of the Royal Archives and Museum and the benefits that it was to reap from the project. The paper discusses how the Matsieng Royal Archives and Museum has extended its mission beyond the storage of knowledge by the centre being used as a community space where Matsieng community members come together to learn new skills. The centre has contributed to the creation of physical commons that benefit the public as a whole by heading towards more community development skills. The community was involved and participated when the centre was building the bio-digester for sewage disposal as a way of protecting mother earth and also getting rid of pit latrines which are a health hazard. The harvesting of gas as renewable energy for cooking, water for irrigation in order to improve the quality of vegetables production are some of the benefits of this project. Training workshops on promoting and strengthening the capacity of Matsieng community to engage in sustainable income generating microenterprises have been held in the centre. The place can also be used as a social mingling place where people can sit and relax.