Developing a Conceptual Framework for Digital Record Trustworthiness in the Public Sector of Zimbabwe

This chapter outlines the development of a context-sensitive conceptual framework to enhance the trustworthiness of digital records in Zimbabwe's public sector. Centred on accuracy, authenticity, reliability, and usability, it employs a qualitative approach, combining literature review and Delphi method validation. Findings indicate that global frameworks like ISO 15489, MoReq, and InterPARES often mismatch Zimbabwe's resource-constrained context. To address this, the proposed framework incorporates both technical and human factors, such as metadata standards, version control, capacity building, and secure data recovery. Expert validation refined the framework, ensuring relevance and sustainability. The chapter concludes by highlighting the model's implications for theory development, practical application, and research in computing and informatics.