Cooperative Electronic Networks of Academic Libraries in Southern Africa

Abstract

Describes the development of the major cooperative electronic networks or consortia among academic libraries in Southern Africa: Gauteng and Environs Library Consortium (GAELIC); Free State Libraries and Information Consortium (FRELICO); Cape Libraries Cooperatives (CALICO); Eastern Seaboard Association Libraries (ESAL); and South Eastern Academic Libraries' System (SEALS), all concentrated in South Africa. Also discusses cooperative activities in the region of the International Network for the Availability of Scientific Publications (INASP) and the eIFL (Electronic Information for Libraries) Direct Project. Describes the strategic importance of the (South African Bibliographic Information NETwork (SABINET) for cooperating libraries, and the formation of the Coalition of South African Library Consortia (COSALC). Advises academic and other libraries to embrace the concept of cooperative electronic networks in order not to lose their relevance, but notes that the sustainability of such projects can be a problem due to resource constraints.