African Journals Online
African Journal of Library, Archives and Information Science

ABSTRACTS (Vol 10, No 1)

The Paperless Society: Farce or Reality?

Felix N Ubogu
University Library
Rhodes University
P.O. Box 94
Grahamstown, 6140
South Africa
[email protected]

Abstract
There is hardly a human endeavour that has not been affected by the digital technologies. For over five centuries, since Gutenberg invented the printing press, paper has maintained a quasi-monopoly as the medium of transmission and storage of information. This role is being seriously challenged by new audiovisual and information media, and the debate still will lead to a paperless society. rages as to whether computers, and in particular the Internet, Paradoxically, a recent posting on a listserv reported that the sale of print copies by a publisher went up because the publisher made electronic copies available on the Internet free of charge. Statistics also reveal that demand for writing and printing paper rate of literacy. Despite this rising has gone up more than six fold in societies with a high growth paper consumption, it is said that demand will start falling off in some parts of the world in 10 to 20 years when computer-literate children become old enough for the workforce. As today's children will be more comfortable with electronically stored they see something information, they will not automatically reach for the printer when interesting online. Paper has been supplanted by digital media as a means of conveying secondary information sources including abstracts, indexes, reviews, and reference volumes such as encyclopaedias and dictionaries.

Prospects of digital libraries in Africa

Ayoku A. Ojedokun
[email protected]
University of Botswana library
Gaborone, Botswana

Abstract:
This paper identifies the challenges facing African governments face in the application of digital libraries. They include the improvement and/or impartation of information literacy, improvement of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) infrastructures, encouragement of access to and use of information technology, and addressing the shortage of management and technical expertise. As a way forward, the paper suggests that African governments get involved in development cooperation at all levels of telecommunications industry with the Technologically Developed Countries (TDCs) in such a way that local ICT skills and know-how acquisition are identified and developed. It also suggests that they create awareness of the changing notion of information literacy; make education a topmost priority of their development programmes through adequate funding; and restructure the learning process to reflect the use of information in the real world.

Changing Trends in Library Automation

Stephen M. Mutula
Department of Library and Information Studies
University of Botswana
P.O. Private Bag 0022
Gaborone, Botswana.
E-mail:[email protected]

Abstract
The paper reviews the pioneering role of the computer centres and co-operative library schemes in library automation using mainframe computers prior to the evolution of Microcomputer technology. With the development of microcomputer technology, cooperative library schemes diversified their business into new market segments by converting their products and started to provide new services such as, database conversions, training, consultancy, maintenance, documentation, computer hardware and access to a wide range of full text electronic journals. Cooperative library schemes in this way have remained relevant and continued to play an important role in library automation. Computer centres on the other hand have found it difficult to shed off the tradition of providing computing services to the library using the mainframe computer of the parent organisation. Libraries have resisted this encroachment on their `sovereignty' by the computer centre. There is however an emerging trend showing the need for the library and computer centre to co-operate with one another. In organisations that do not have computer centres, Information Technology (IT) units are playing a similar role to that played by computer centres. The paper examines areas where the library and the computer centre can co-operate as partners of the organisation wide management information system.

Managing and Strategizing Africa's Information in Global Computerization.

George Gundu Shibanda
Moi University
P.O. Box 3900
Eldoret
Kenya.

Abstract:
Africa's historical glory and pace set in the information and communication sector is highlighted in perspective of her previous contribution in the development of information age. Now being a net importer, and her contemporary loss of a place in the information age, Information Technology is a key resource that should be maximised by African nations in order to achieve competitiveness in the current dynamic world economy. Africa remains at crossroads with the rest of the world. Africa is now in the limelight as economically stagnant and technologically marginalised enjoying only 1 per cent of the Internet connectivity out of over 50 million intended worldwide users with one telephone for every 200 people. The current scene is analysed through selected literature reviews which give an indication of fundamental issues and ills facing African countries in this era of information society. The participatory roles Africa need to play as her contributory efforts in helping to create a global information society are highlighted.

Freedom of Information Legislation in Esarbica Member States and Its Implication on Records Management Practices

Nathan Mnjama
Department of Library and Information Studies
University of Botswana
Private Bag 0022
Gaborone, Botswana.
E-mail:[email protected]

Abstract.
This paper addresses the question of freedom of information. It begins by arguing that although all Citizens have the right of access to information, each citizen is entitled to enjoy certain rights that must be protected and must be enshrined in a freedom of information legislation. The paper identifies the major elements that should be contained in an ideal freedom of information legislation, explains the major procedures to be followed when requesting for information under FoI and finally assess the impact FoI is likely to have on record keeping requirements particularly on Eastern and Southern African region.

An Analysis of Out-of-Print Book Orders in a Nigerian

University Library
I. A. Alao
University of Ilorin Library
Ilorin, Nigeria

Abstract
An analysis of out-of-print (OP) from the 5,553 books ordered by the University of Ilorin Library in Nigeria from 1993 through 1996 were carried out with a view to determining any significant variations in the rates of the OP books within different disciplines, and to ascertaining the average in-print life-spans of the books in the disciplines. Results showed that the OP rates of the books in the humanities, the social sciences and the sciences did not vary significantly while the average in-print life-spans of the books in the three major branches of knowledge stood at 11.32, years, 6.19 years and 7.44 years respectively. Libraries are enjoined to order their selections as soon as they are published or at least within the average life-spans for the books to avoid wasting time on possible out-of-print orders.

Short Communications

Career Development and Movement of Librarians in a Nigerian University Library

Ayo Onatola
Ogun state University Library
Ago-Iwoye, Nigeria.

Abstract
This paper x-rays the state of affairs of career development of library professionals and their movement in Ogun State University Library (OSUL), Ago-Iwoye. Questionnaire, personal observation and interviews were used to gather the required data. Sixteen out of the eighteen copies of the questionnaire distributed were completed and finally returned - a response rate of 88.9%. The study reveals that topmost priority attention is yet to be given to career development of library professionals in OSUL. This shortcoming is linked to the poor funding of the University by the owner government. The net result is the increased tendency of these professionals to migrate out of the service of OSUL. Some recommendations aimed at reversing the ugly trend, in OSUL and the entire Nigerian university system are listed

The Problems and Prospects of Acquisition of Government Publications in Ghanaian Libraries

Helena R. Asamoah Hassan
University of Science and Technology
Kumasi, Ghana

Abstract
Government documents or publications are very useful to government officials for reference and continuity purposes and to the public as informational sources about the activities of Government. The problems encountered in the process of acquisition are discussed, especially the inadequate lists of such publications; the lack of continuous supply which creates gaps in the collection; the ineffective means of publishing and distributing of the documents; and the non inclusion of government publications in the Legal Deposit Act. Solutions are proffered on how to acquire them easily.

The New Information Retrieval Media and the Next Millennium: Some Challenges for Nigeria Libraries

Mr. Samuel F. Ajala
The Library,
The Polytechnic,
Ibadan.

Abstract
The medium for retrieving information is changing fast. First from the manual method, then to the use of computer software's, retrieval is now made from full-text and on-line databases. This paper discusses the transition to these new information retrieval media and the challenges for Nigeria libraries to adopt the two key elements that propel it - computers and Telecommunication facilities.