Meaning, Functions, Advantages and Disadvantages of Written records
Written records: Are the documents which comprise written historical information. These includes books, letters, maps, magazines, journals, newspapers, minutes of various meetings and conferences. Written records can be found in: libraries, schools, colleges, universities, internet cafes, office etc.
Functions of written records
i. They provide pictures of society.
ii. They reflect public opinion at the times of writing for example the letters to the editor in newspaper express the readers feeling on current issues.
iii. Written records save as stores of a large variety of information, including discoveries, government policies, statement, religious beliefs, fashion, speeches and agreement.
iv. In depth reports of daily events are kept as written records for example in a diary, newspaper or biography.
Advantages of written records
i. It is easy to get information
ii. Easy to make references
iii. It is helpful in doing researches
iv. They can be kept for long time.
Disadvantages of written records
1. It can give false information if they
2. It is difficult to read everything from written records
3. They are subject to be badly written
4. Illiterate people cannot get information
