Information Development recent issues

Information and Communication in Society

Parker, S. — 2008-07-24

Information Development News

2008-07-24

CDS/ISIS Information

Hopkinson, A. — 2008-07-24

Education for Librarianship and Information Studies: fit for purpose?

Johnson, I. M. — 2008-07-24

The Representation of HIV/AIDS in the Media and its Impact among Young People in Namibia: a study of Windhoek and Katima Mulilo

Chanda, M., Mchombu, K., Nengomasha, C. — 2008-07-24

HIV/AIDS poses a serious challenge to Namibia's socio-economic development. The virus affects the country's most economically active segment: young people between the ages of 15 and 49. A number of communication campaigns have been carried out to mitigate the spread of the virus. This article reports on a study that examined the impact of media representations of HIV/AIDS on behaviour change among young people in Namibia. The study also sought to examine the extent to which the audience's interpretations of these representations influenced their behaviour. The findings demonstrate the effects HIV/AIDS messages had on the participants. These include a process of reinterpretation, negotiation and rejection of some of the media representations of HIV/AIDS. The paper is based on a final year research project carried out at the Department of Information and Communication Studies, University of Namibia, in 2007.

Information and Communication in Bandit Country: an exploratory study of civil conflict in northern Uganda 1986--2007

Sturges, P. — 2008-07-24

The conflict in northern Uganda between government forces and the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) has created an information seeking environment with deep and unusual problems. This study is based on the literature, enriched by informal interviews in Uganda. Government neglect of the region and the LRA's communication through spirit messages and the symbolic use of violence have exacerbated the conflict by creating an intractable information and communication environment. It is concluded that long term resolution of the conflict can only be achieved through solutions that include the restoration of the institutions and practices of effective communication so as to facilitate information seeking.

The Orentlicher Principles on the Preservation and Access to Archives Bearing Witness to Human Rights Violations

Mnjama, N. — 2008-07-24

This article examines Diane Orentlicher's 'Updated Set of Principles for the Protection and Promotion of Human Rights through Action to Combat Impunity' and their implications for African countries. The article argues that these principles provide avenues through which records relating to human rights violations, abuses and those arising out of truth and reconciliation commissions may be preserved and made accessible as part of a nation's collective memory. The article further examines how these principles are currently applied to the management of South African Truth and Reconciliation Commission archives, though the principles themselves were formulated after the Commission had finalized its work. The article concludes by examining the possibility of adopting these principles by African governments.

Factors Influencing the Adoption and Development of Electronic Theses and Dissertations (ETD) Programs, with Particular Reference to the Arab Gulf States

Al Salmi, J. — 2008-07-24

This paper aims to establish the framework for understanding the positive and negative factors affecting the adoption and development of electronic theses and dissertations (ETD) programs with particular reference to the situation in the Arab Gulf States. The reviewed literature shows that several interrelated factors have been found to encourage the adoption and development of ETD programs in university libraries: the appreciation of the benefits of ETD programs, awareness of these programs, and effective promotional and advocacy work that lead to cultural changes related to views on ETD programs. With regard to the Arab Gulf States, even though there is a lack of available literature, it appears that university libraries have the required infrastructure for encouraging the adoption and development of ETD programs. On the other hand some factors have been found to discourage the adoption of ETD programs. These include: technological factors, legal issues and other administrative issues. With regard to the Arab Gulf States, the available literature shows that some of the influencing factors are the same as those found in other countries, especially administrative and technological factors. In conclusion, it seems that most issues influencing the adoption and development of ETD programs can be resolved by undertaking appropriate promotional and advocacy activities.

Low-Cost Provision of XML Bibliographic Records

Naicheng Chang, — 2008-07-24

Many situations require XML files of bibliographic records to be produced but there is no easy way of producing these files. CDS/ISIS is a MARC-compatible bibliographic database management system provided by UNESCO which has recently implemented a module which converts bibliographic records into XML files. This paper gives a brief description of XML for bibliographic purposes and then illustrates CDS/ISIS XML functionality.

Forthcoming Events

2008-07-24

Stray Thoughts: Money (That's What I Want)

Msafiri, — 2008-07-24

Editorial: Refugees and Ubuntu

Parker, S. — 2008-05-01

Information Development News

2008-05-01

CDS/ISIS Information

Hopkinson, A. — 2008-05-01

Education for Librarianship and Information Studies: fit for purpose?

Johnson, I. M. — 2008-05-01

Information Development for Refugee and Forced Migration Studies: the Refugee Studies Centre Library in the last decade

Rhodes, S. — 2008-05-01

This article reviews the information developments experienced by the Refugee Studies Centre Library over the past ten years. It addresses the challenges associated with the boom in electronic information and how these have been harnessed to complement the still important and unique physical collections held by the Library. It highlights the creation of the RSC's Digital Library and the Forced Migration Online portal. These have played an important role in the navigation of the ever changing electronic landscape faced by the field of refugee and forced migration studies. Elisa Mason's research guide for resources on the web and article on internet-based current awareness services have been used to highlight key access points to e-resources for the subject area.

Teaching Information Literacy Skills in Community Junior Secondary Schools in Gaborone, Botswana

Jorosi, B.N., Isaac, G.G. — 2008-05-01

Information literacy skills are fast becoming a global priority as society moves into the digital environment. However, although the subject has generated a vast body of literature, it remains an underdeveloped domain in sub-Saharan Africa, with few scholars demonstrating a keen interest in, and focus on, the subject. This has unfortunately limited a fuller understanding of how information literacy is conceptualized and delivered in developing country contexts. The study reported here investigated the teaching of information literacy skills in selected Community Junior Secondary Schools (CJSS) in the city of Gaborone, Botswana. Data were gathered from a sample of 30 teacher-librarians via face-to-face in-depth interviews with the aid of a five-question interview schedule. The key findings of the study were: (1) respondents had varying interpretations of what constituted information literacy skills, (2) a variety of skills were taught under the rubric information literacy skills; (3) by and large, the teaching of information literacy skills was done by teacher-librarians and subject teachers, (4) the main approaches in teaching information literacy skills involved library orientation and the use of the English Language Period, and (5) respondents cited three challenges, namely, the absence of an enabling environment or an office dedicated to school libraries, an exam-oriented curriculum and shrinking financial resources. Several recommendations are made for both future research and the Ministry of Education in Botswana.

Volunteer Endeavors to Promote ICT in a Developing Country: the case of the Pakistan Library Automation Group

Mahmood, K., Muhammad Ajmal Khan, , Siddique, N. — 2008-05-01

This paper is a case study of the Pakistan Library Automation Group, formed in October 2000 by volunteers in library and information science and computer science in Pakistan. The group's mission was to promote the use of ICT in Pakistani libraries with virtually no financial support. The achievements of the group during 6 years include: PakLAG Website; Automation of libraries with Library Information Management System (LIMS); Multilingual Web OPAC; Searching interface of National Digital Library; Online directory of LIS professionals; Publications program; Pak-LIS News; E-mail discussion group; Online posting of job advertisements; Virtual library; Training in ICTs for library professionals; and free consultancy service in library automation. The group's future plans are also presented. The study concludes that, if some committed professionals present themselves for voluntary endeavors and plan to develop their nation without any material resources, they can play a significant role in the promotion of ICT in the libraries of a developing country.

Digital Libraries: opportunities and challenges for the English-speaking Caribbean

Francis, H. — 2008-05-01

The purpose of this paper is to explore some of the major issues surrounding the development of digital libraries in the developing countries of the English-speaking Caribbean known also as the Caricom region. The impetus for digital libraries comes from the desire of these countries to become integrated in the new, global information economy. As part of this global information trend, digital libraries technology holds the key to improved information access. Digital libraries, which have become affordable and manageable provide increased access to global information and at the same time, increase the visibility of indigenous Caribbean information resources. The paper looks at the major issues that must be addressed in the process of digital libraries development. These include the current state of ICT infrastructure, economic and data sustainability, issues of interoperability and the generation of local content. Examples of current digital library projects undertaken in academic, public and special libraries are identified. The paper ends with a set of recommendations that can be used by information professionals and other stakeholders in developing countries to organize the way forward for the application, growth and development of digital libraries.

Knowledge Sharing through Collaboration in Development Studies: the Focuss.Info Initiative

Lalleman, R., Wesseling, M. — 2008-05-01

This paper introduces a new research tool within the international field of development cooperation and studies: the Focuss.Info initiative. Focuss.Info facilitates a content specific search engine. This search engine indexes the favourite websites of partners in the initiative and individual contributors who are tagging their websites on a social bookmark platform. In this way, the field of global studies facilitates a valuable research tool in which institutions from all over the world collaborate and share their `knowledge of websites' with each other.

New Publications

2008-05-01

Current Abstracts

2008-05-01

Forthcoming Events

2008-05-01

Stray Thoughts: Ubuntu

Msafiri, — 2008-05-01

Editorial: From Home Libraries to the Information Society

Parker, S. — 2008-02-08

Information Development News

2008-02-08

CDS/ISIS Information

Hopkinson, A. — 2008-02-08

Education for Librarianship and Information Studies: fit for purpose?

Johnson, I. M. — 2008-02-08

Bunko, the Home and Community Library in Japan: a qualitative study

Cheunwattana, A. — 2008-02-08

Presents an account of bunko libraries in Japan. Bunko are home libraries or community-based libraries. The bunko movement, developed and managed by Japanese women on a voluntary basis, is aimed towards creating a better reading environment for children and filling the gaps in the provision of public library services. A bunko can be located in a house or any place where quality books can be made conveniently accessible to children. Services offered include free voluntary reading, book loans, storytelling, singing, reciting nursery rhymes, paper folding, and making toys and handicrafts. The bunko plays an important role in cultivating the reading habit in children at an early age in a homely and nurturing environment. Adults who are involved in bunko activities enjoy friendships forged among themselves and derive fulfilment from their participation and contribution. This unique library service is one of the models that are globally applicable for children's library services.

Information Needs and Information Seeking Patterns of Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises in Namibia

Chiware, E. R. T., Dick, A. L. — 2008-02-08

Reports on an investigation of the business information needs, information seeking patterns and business information services for small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs) in Namibia. The study ranks business information needs of SMMEs as: finance, marketing, production, and training, policies on SMME development, sources of raw materials, regulations, technical information and other types of information. The study reveals that SMMEs largely depend on informal information sources despite the existence of a wide range of business information services in Namibia. Recommendations are made on how business information delivery services can be improved in the SMME sector in Namibia by both government and business support organizations.

Libraries in the Era of HIV/AIDS: facing the challenges in Sierra Leone

Kargbo, J. A. — 2008-02-08

This article explores the rapid spread of HIV/AIDS in Sierra Leone and the part librarians should play in combating the disease. HIV/AIDS has become a subject of concern in the country because it is a new threatening disease that affects majority of the young people between18 and 25 years. The latest statistics of HIV/AIDS-affected young people in Sierra Leone is 1.53 percent. Hence the Government is making frantic efforts to combat the spread of the disease. Such moves require a multisectoral approach and librarians should be among the key players since they play a central role in information dissemination.

Information Needs of NGOs: a case study of NGO development workers in the northern region of Ghana

Nikoi, S. K. — 2008-02-08

This article is about the information behaviour of non-governmental organizations. Despite their rise to development prominence since the 1980s and their growing importance in the socio-economic development of many developing countries, studies focusing directly on the information activities of NGOs have received tangential treatment. The findings presented in this article are based on a qualitative study carried out between 2001 and 2005 to investigate the information behaviour of NGO development workers in the northern region of Ghana. Three major dimensions of need emerged from this study: sociological, cognitive and ecological information needs. The article concludes that instead of the purely cognitive viewpoint which has dominated user needs studies within information science over the years, studies into human information behaviour should take as their starting point a socio-cognitive and political perspective.

Gender and National ICT Policy in Africa: issues, strategies, and policy options

Olatokun, W. M. — 2008-02-08

The paper commences with a review of the concept of Information Communication technology (ICT) and points out how it has become a potent force in transforming social, economic and political life globally. It then discusses the linkage between gender and ICT especially how ICT has widened the digital divide gap between Africa and the rest of the world on one hand, and between males and females on the other. It later gives an overview of the ICT policy formulation situation in Africa pointing out the gender provisions in the national ICT policy documents of some African countries. It then reviews illiteracy rates and access to telephone facilities, computers, and Internet facilities in Africa and indicates that there is a digital divide on the continent between those who have access to the Internet and related technologies and those who do not. It finally presents the policy options and strategies to be adopted by African governments to enable women to benefit from opportunities offered by ICT. The paper concludes by submitting that unless gender issues are incorporated in national ICT policies in Africa, the digital divide will continue to widen and most women that live in African rural populations would continue to be excluded from the benefits of ICT.

Indicators of the Emerging Information Society in Pakistan

Shafique, F., Mahmood, K. — 2008-02-08

This paper reviews the transformation of Pakistan's agricultural society into an information society and factors causing this transformation. Key indicators of emerging information society in Pakistan are analyzed with the help of literature search, website visits and personal communication with experts. The analysis reveals that many internal and external factors are causing this transformation such as declining natural resources and rapid growth in population and its needs, international debt and dictation by IMF and World Bank in each and every economic and political move. The picture captured through literature and website review reveals that Pakistan's agricultural society is rapidly transforming into the information society. Key indicators for the emergence of the information society in Pakistan include e-government, IT policy, rapid growth of the IT and telecom sector, increased teledensity, Internet services, e-learning, e-health, e-commerce, etc.

New Publications

2008-02-08

Current Abstracts

2008-02-08

Forthcoming Events

2008-02-08

Stray Thoughts: Libraries: what are they good for?

2008-02-08

Editorial: What Digital Divide?

Parker, S. — 2007-11-20

Information Development News

2007-11-20

Cds/Isis Information

Hopkinson, A. — 2007-11-20

Education for Librarianship and Information Studies: fit for purpose?

Johnson, I. M. — 2007-11-20

Preliminary Insights into M-commerce Adoption in Ghana

Boadi, R. A., Boateng, R., Hinson, R., Opoku, R. A. — 2007-11-20

Utilizing case studies of farmers and fishermen in Ghana, we investigated the mobile commerce (m-commerce) idiosyncrasies of two rural businesses. We specifically examined the investment cost associated with m-commerce, and the m-commerce adoption practices of farmers and fishermen in selected rural districts in Ghana. We adopted a qualitative research approach and conducted in-depth interviews with management and operational personnel, in our target respondent firms. We found that m-commerce facilitates cost reduction for farmers and fishermen, and affords them opportunities for deepening internal and external business relationships. M-commerce also facilitates the delivery of time-sensitive information, which enhances decision-making in transactions. Whilst m-commerce clearly enhances various value delivery propositions for the farming and fishing companies we profiled, it cannot entirely replace their business value chains. The originality of this study lies in the fact that, it is one of the few scholarly investigations focusing on m-commerce from the perspective of a sub-Saharan country.

Information Literacy: assessing the readiness of Ghanaian universities

Dadzie, P. S. — 2007-11-20

The study assesses the readiness of the University of Ghana and the University of Cape Coast, Ghana, to formally integrate information literacy (IL) into their curricula. A multiple case study approach was adopted and in-depth interviews with some heads of departments and librarians were carried out. The study revealed that library literacy, computer literacy and communication skills literacy are being carried out to some extent in both institutions. Some constraints which could impede the smooth implementation of a campus-wide information literacy project in the universities include the large enrolment numbers and the lack of collaboration or cooperation among departments carrying out some IL initiatives. The study recommends, among others, the sensitization of the whole university community to the IL programme and the important role the libraries and information professionals should play in the implementation of IL projects.

Institutional Change in the Ugandan Library Sector: the establishment of the National Library of Uganda

Hansson, J., Kawalya, J. — 2007-11-20

This article is part of a larger research project focussing on institutional change in the Ugandan library sector from the 1960s up until today, with special focus on the development of the National Library of Uganda. The article is based primarily on official publications such as di ferent legislation passed by the Ugandan Parliament on library issues and on documentation reporting on various initiatives and projects aiming at building a functioning library and information infrastructure in Uganda during the last four decades. Findings show that initiatives have been regularly neglected at the political levels, both nationally and locally. The founding of the National Library of Uganda has a fected the Ugandan library system in a major way and the country is now better equipped to face some of the challenges created by the requirements of the global information society and by high levels of illiteracy, especially in the rural areas. The article pinpoints some of these challenges and suggests further action on both professional and political levels.

E-records Management in an E-government Setting in Botswana

Moloi, J., Mutula, S. — 2007-11-20

Presents part of the findings of a study that was carried out to investigate the management of e-records in a government setting in Botswana. A two-stage research design strategy involving a case study of government ministries and a survey of the respondents within government ministries was used. The population of study consisted of: Director, Botswana National Archives and Records Services (BNARS), representative of the Director, Department of Information Technology (DIT), records sta f, IT specialists, and action officers. The findings showed that whereas e-records management in developed countries is receiving great attention, the same cannot be said of Botswana. E-records management in government in Botswana is at its infancy and fairly new. Botswana lacks an e-records management policy, which makes it difficult to identify, maintain and preserve e-records. Key recommendations include the need for Botswana government to consider among other things, benchmarking against best practices of developed countries with regard to the systematic management of e-records.

New Publications

2007-11-20

Current Abstracts

2007-11-20

Forthcoming Events

2007-11-20

Stray Thoughts: Capturing Indigenous Knowledge

Msafiri, — 2007-11-20