Guinea-Bissau is a small West African country with limited institutional support for libraries and archives, highlighting the need to explore its role in preserving intellectual heritage. A mixed-methods approach combining archival research with interviews with library professionals to assess the state and potential for preservation efforts. Current data shows that only 30% of historical records are digitally preserved, indicating a significant gap in digital archiving. The study underscores the urgent need for increased funding and technical support to enhance archival practices in Guinea-Bissau. The establishment of a national archives digitization programme is proposed to address the identified gaps. Guinea-Bissau, Libraries, Archives, Intellectual Heritage, Preservation