Discussion of appropriate technology for libraries in South Africa focuses on the use of electronic bulletin boards. Topics addressed include information technology in South African libraries; local library networking; components of an electronic bulletin board; bulletin boards, telephones, and electronic mail; possible uses for a bulletin board;…

Seven articles discuss topics related to information activities supported by Canada's International Development Research Centre (IDRC): (1) background on the Information Science Division; (2) advances in information technology; (3) the role of information specialists; (4) information networking in Latin America; (5) reaching information users; (6)…

Analyzes the origins of the myth of an information and knowledge gap between developed countries and those of sub-Sahara Africa, and examines the present day reality of this gap. An approach to technology transfer is outlined which would reduce the gap and provide a means for capturing, repackaging and preserving African knowledge. (nine…

Describes the role of the United Nations University (UNU) in promoting the effective use of new information technologies in support of science and technology for development. The UNU Information and Decision Systems (INDES) project examines the constraints preventing developing nations from using advances in informatics and from integrating their…

Discusses the decline of African libraries and concludes that African libraries must find their own role within an African reality. Discussion covers failed internationally funded attempts to stem the decline, including establishment of national information policies and systems; donation of books and journals; staff training; development of rural…

Discusses the interdependence of telecommunications and information sciences in Brazil. Highlights include new technologies and telecommunications: satellites, fiber optic cables, data communication networks, information superhighways, and cooperative projects; and information services development. (AEF)

Outlines the application of information technology in 13 of Thailand's academic libraries. Problems of implementation, budgets, specific applications and benefits, and future plans are discussed. (EA)

Analyzes the relationship between information and economic performance in Commonwealth Caribbean countries. The quality of information as a determinant of trade competitiveness is discussed, human resources are examined, the need for information sensitivity is suggested, and information hardware needs are discussed. (22 references) (LRW)

This theme issue includes eight articles that discuss the information age, the impact of information technology, and the role of libraries. Highlights include libraries in Brazil, Indonesia, and Nigeria; the Universal Availability of Publications (UAP) program; community literacy; database development in Malawi; and the Regional Energy Resources…

Discusses developments in information technologies, their present state of application, and their general significance for the future of archives and records management systems. The likely impact of future technological developments is considered and the need for infrastructural standards, professional cooperation, and training is emphasized.…

Describes the National Information System project in Uganda that is being developed to support economic development goals; discusses creation of a national information policy; and considers personnel needs, training methods, materials, and facilities. A sidebar describes Nigeria's scientific information network. (Contains three references.) (LRW)

Reminiscences of the author's years as Director of the National Archives of Zimbabwe, 1981-90, include the situation of the archives at independence; publications; exhibitions and public relations activities; the Oral History Programme; establishment of a new records center and decentralization of records management; introduction of new…

Analyzes information technology used in networks and cooperative systems to access primary documents and its impact on the information industry. The concordance between old and new technologies in traditional and virtual libraries is considered. Discussion includes the resulting paradoxes, such as more people accessing relatively smaller…

Discusses the impact of information technology on learning and teacher education and outlines a scenario for the use of information technology in education in Malaysia, including online systems and an experimental computer-integrated learning system. Interactive computer systems used in the Open University (United Kingdom) are described. (Contains…

Describes policies formulated by the Chinese government that use information technology to facilitate the development of scientific and technical information activities. Highlights include online information retrieval; the construction of databases, including Chinese language, numeric, and Chinese trade and technology databases; the development of…