The Use of ICTs in African Public Library Services

This book examines the use of ICTs by 22 public library services in 10 English-speaking sub-Saharan African countries. Its aim is to reveal both the levels of use of information and communication technologies and plans for the future. The findings of a structured survey questionnaire are analysed, providing information on available computer facilities, library automation, Internet connectivity, technical support, expenditure and ICT strategies. This is followed by detailed case studies of 18 library services, written by local librarians and information specialists.

The compiler and editor is Justin Chisenga, an information professional from Zambia, who has been involved with ICT implementation in African libraries since the early 1990s. He concludes that while many Africa public libraries are in the process of adopting the use of modern information and communication technologies, it is being done on an ad hoc basis and assistance continues to be needed with funding, strategies and training.

Contents

Part One: Survey of the Status and Use of ICTs in Public Libraries in Sub-Saharan Africa

Introduction
Findings and Discussion
Conclusion and Some Recommendations
Appendices

Part Two: Case Studies on the Use of ICTs in Public Libraries in Sub-Saharan Africa

  1. Botswana National Library Service Lemmy V. Luswili
  2. Ghana Book Trust Children's Library Patricia O. Arthur
  3. Ghana Library Board Seth Edekor
  4. Kenya National Library Service Robert Ondari and Charles Kitendo
  5. Kenya: Nairobi City Library Services Lorna Maina Maruti
  6. Malawi National Library Service Gray Nyali
  7. Nigeria: Kano State Library Board Sanusi Abdullahi Nassarawa
  8. Nigeria: Plateau State Library Board Emmanuel Sambo Mamman
  9. South Africa: City of Johannesburg Library and Information Services Elise Roberts
  10. South Africa: eThekwini Municipal Libraries Khanyisile Khumalo
  11. South Africa: Free State Provincial Library and Information Service Jacomien Schimper
  12. South Africa: Mpumalanga Provincial Library and Information Service Francois Hendrikz and Anso Smit
  13. Tanzania Library Services Board Irene U. B. Minja
  14. Uganda: Nakaseke Multipurpose Community Telecentre and Library Robert Ikoja
  15. Uganda: National Library of Uganda Robert Ikoja
  16. Zambia Library Service Paul Zulu
  17. Zimbabwe: Bulawayo Public Library Robin Doust
  18. Zimbabwe: National Free Library of Zimbabwe Harriet Ncube

Download the full text (Document Use of ICTs-Chisenga, 800Kb)

Publication and ordering details

138pp, 297x210mm
ISBN-10  1 902928 23 7
ISBN-13  978 1 902928 23 4
£17.50
Publication date: 2004
To order a print copy of the book, email inasp@inasp.info
A limited number of complimentary copies of this publication (in print) are available to libraries in developing and emerging countries. To request a free copy, please email inasp@inasp.info

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