This study seeks to ascertain the use in Ethiopia in 1997 of CD-ROM databases. Analysis of data recorded in 15 questionnaires (responses were obtained from 89% of libraries believed to use CD-ROMs) on the use of CD-ROM products indicated that academic libraries in Ethiopia use CD-ROM databases to a greater degree than other types of library responding to the survey (47% academic, 27% research and development, 27% non-government). Medline was the main CD-ROM product used. It was available in 40% of the libraries. Funding for CD-ROM services has been haphazard and is often based on projects and donations. Now, the issue of sustainability is crucial. In addition to input from the Government, long-lasting project preparation, integration of CD-ROMs into existing library budgets, cooperative subscriptions to databases and the sharing of CD-ROM data in a networked environment are recommended.
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