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Indigenous Knowledge Management in Swaziland: perspectives

Special Collections, University of Swaziland Libraries, Private Bag 4, Kwaluseni, M201 Swaziland. Tel. +268-518-4011. Fax. +268-518-5276. paiki{at}uniswacc.uniswa.sz or pmuswazi{at}yahoo.com

Describes the codification in Swaziland of knowledge on diseases and indigenous plants used to treat them, traditional healing, law and custom, folk tales, constitutional preferences, etc. Observes that catalogues, bibliographies, inter-library loan facilities, audiovisual (AV) applications, workshops, conferences and oral interviews are an important means of accessing and sharing indigenous knowledge. Notes the limitations in the foregoing and the impact of information and communication technology (ICT) applications on indigenous knowledge management (IKM) in Swaziland. Argues that despite the apparent underutilization of library and information services (LIS) expertise, the profession plays a key role in indigenous knowledge organization and preservation as well as promoting access and sharing. Suggests close cooperation between subject domain specialists, ICT and LIS experts, optimization on the available ICT infrastructure to develop a Web based portal to indigenous knowledge resources, deepening of AV applications at Tinkhundla community centres, and a LIS discussion list to assist in sharing IKM experiences, skills and best practices.

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