The Botswana Presidential Collection @BIUST: The concept and preparatory processes

Abstract

On 10th February 2018, The Botswana International University of Science and Technology (BIUST) officially launched a collection that serves as incubation of the Botswana Presidential library. The collection is a foundation of a primer repository of textual materials; drawings; paintings, photographs, artefacts and many other visual materials that illuminate the legacy and era of all the Botswana presidents. BIUST library intends to develop this as Special Holdings or Rare Collections that will uniquely augment the already existing legal repositories of BNARS, UB and BNLS whose focus is presently very broad or on generalities of Botswana Literary works. The Presidential library @ BIUST instead adopts a thematic scope; and also uniquely triangulates elements of libraries; archives and museums in the collection, preservation and dissemination of such information ( 3 in 1) This paper therefore is a narrative that shares experiences on the concept of the presidential collection @BIUST since it is new concept in the country with view of fostering collaborations in the form of ideas, helping others with interest in the same project or undertaking, share challenges, lessons learnt and possible recommendations. The paper also demonstrates strategies in the development of operational policies, strategies and guidelines on the growth of both the space and the collection. It importantly highlights collaboration and cooperation of resources and expertise with already designated national and international special collections.