Towards the digital library in Africa
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/02640470610671150 |
| Date | 01 May 2006 |
| Pages | 289-293 |
| Published date | 01 May 2006 |
| Author | Diana Rosenberg |
| Subject Matter | Information & knowledge management,Library & information science |
VIEWPOINT
Towards the digital library in
Africa
Diana Rosenberg
International Network for the Availability of Scientific Publications, Oxford, UK
Abstract
Purpose – In 2004, the International Network for the Availability of Scientific Publications (INASP)
commissioned a survey to find out the current state of digitization in university libraries in
sub-Saharan Anglophone Africa. This paper aims to report some findings of the survey.
Design/methodology/approach – Questionnaires were sent to 107 libraries in 20 countries, with a
72 per cent response rate. Site visits and interviews took place in five countries, followed by a focus
group discussion with librarians from four countries.
Findings – The study finds that university libraries in Africa have progressed towards establishing
digital library services at very different speeds and levels. Libraries therefore have very different
needs and ambitions. For the majority of libraries e-resources are available but facilities for access are
poor. The acquisition and implementation of a library management system would appear to be an
essential building block in the construction of a digital library. All e-developments have depended
heavily on external funding and will continue to do so. Lack of funding and lack of or retention of
trained staff is the key challenge for the future.
Originality/value – The report provides data on which the future plans of libraries and support
interventions can be based.
Keywords Digital libraries,University libraries, Communication technologies,Library automation,
Sub Saharan Africa
Paper type Viewpoint
Introduction
A digital library can be defined as one where users access resources by electronic
means and where information is delivered to users electronically. However, digital
libraries are not created overnight. Various stages along the road towards developing a
digital library can be identified, e.g. listing in electronic format the content of a discreet
The current issue and full text archive of this journal is available at
www.emeraldinsight.com/0264-0473.htm
Editor’s comment: As readers will have noticed, the journal has published a number of papers
over the last year or so from Africa. Indeed, Vol. 23 No. 3 (2005) was a Special Issue that covered
ICT developments in Nigerian libraries. However, as Diana Rosenberg notes here, such papers
more often complain about the state of telecommunications, power failures and lack of resources
in the country rather than focussing on what has been achieved.
It was, therefore, with great interest that I read the recent report from the International
Network for the Availability of Scientific Publications (INASP) on the current status of
digitization in African libraries, particularly since it was a more independent survey and thus
would give a more impartial and balanced account of the situation.
The report is available for download from the INASP website, but I am delighted and grateful
that the author has taken the time to summarize her findings specially for TEL readers. Diana
Rosenberg’s viewpoint will complement other African papers published in TEL and point to
achievements as well as areas for future investment.
Towards the
digital library in
Africa
289
The Electronic Library
Vol. 24 No. 3, 2006
pp. 289-293
qEmerald Group Publishing Limited
0264-0473
DOI 10.1108/02640470610671150
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