A Library Network for Swaziland: preliminary investigations and formulations

Abstract

Among the resource sharing initiatives conceived by libraries in Swaziland is the creation of a computerized network or consortium of all libraries and information services, SWALINET (Swaziland Library and Information Network). Reports on preliminary investigations and formulations carried out to assess the feasibility or viability of such a network in the light of local, regional and international standards. Evaluates existing resources and facilities in the libraries, affirms the perceived need for resource sharing and library networking, identifies the obstacles to library cooperation, and proposes a framework within which the network can be achieved for optimum use of libraries and information services resources in Swaziland. The study was based upon a literature review, interviews and conversations with libraries and information services staff and relevant stakeholders and partners, and study visit to major libraries and information services in Swaziland. It took cognisance of other library networks and consortia initiatives in the broader Southern African subregion.

Get full access to this article

View all access options for this article.

References

De Kock , Marthie G.

Virtual or digital information service – where do we start?

Mousaion, vol. 16, no.2, 1998. 30–45.

Edwards, Heather M. Library cooperation and resource sharing in South Africa; considerations for the future . South African Journal of Library and Information Science, vol. 62, no. 2, 1994. 113–116.

Giggey, S. Report to the Executive Committee of the Swaziland Library Association, 15th January 1993. Mbabane, British Council, 1993. 22-22 p.

Hirshon, A. 1998. Academic library consortia: past, present and present, [Online]. Available: http://www.leigh.edu/arh5/arh5.html [1998 November 5].

Jalloh, Brimah . Library networking and consortia initiatives in Africa. African Journal of Library, Archive and Information Science, vol. 9, no.1, 1999. 1–15.

Kingsley, B. J. K. Libraries in Swaziland; 23 yeas after independence. In Proceedings of the Swaziland Library Association (SWALA) Conference, Kwaluseni, Swaziland, June 21st 1991. Edited by B. J. K. Kingsley . 1992. Mbabane, SWALA. 27–33.

Kluijfhout. E. Information Technology in the Developing World; the case of Swaziland. 1996. Amsterdam, Centre for Development Cooperation Services. 496-496 p.

Mavuso, Makana . Current state of libraries in Swaziland. ISBN Review, No. 17, 1996. 297–307.

Morgan, E. L. Resource sharing and consortia, or becoming a 600-pound gorilla . Computers in Libraries, vol.1, no.4, 1998. 40–41.

10.

Morsink, M. P. C. Information Technology in Swaziland. MSc Thesis, 1994. Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam. 219p.

11.

Muswazi, Paiki . The practicality of the Swaziland union catalogue; a retrospective study. Libri, vol.48, no.2, 1998. 124–130.

12.

Muswazi, Paiki . Swaziland National Bibliography: the currency predicament. International Cataloguing and Bibliographic Control, vol.27, no. 1., 1998.17–20.

13.

Rowley, J. and Slack, F. New approaches in library networking: reflections on experiences in South Africa. Journal of Librarianship and Information Science, vol. 31, no. 1, 1999. 33–38.

14.

Swaziland . Ministry of Finance . Estimates for the year 1st April 1996 to 31st March 1997:1–111. Mbabane, Ministry of Finance, 1997.

15.

SWALINET. A Project Brief, 1997. Unpublished document.