Issues in Formulating National Information Policies in Developing Countries: The Case of Tanzania

Abstract

National information policies in the Developing World became a particular concern of the library profession in the 1970s. In this paper the focus is on Tanzania. Primary sources are drawn upon, and the findings of a small survey of some of the major stakeholders involved in developing a national information policy (NIP) are reported. The significance of NIP for libraries and information practices is discussed. Attempts in Tanzania to establish and implement the concept of a national information policy are outlined, together with their lack of success. However, legislation and policies have been successfully developed and implemented for related sectors which should have been part and parcel of an NIP. This indicates a lack of coordination of information-related activities within the country. There is general agreement amongst those who write on the subject on the need to define information broadly; to create legislation which would bind all parties to abide by all the requirements of NIP; and for information specialists to think of suitable methods to interest politicians and other decision makers on how to go about developing the policy. Implementation, however, depends on information personnel seeing the need for such a policy and being prepared to invest their time in developing it. In the absence of this, Tanzania's information professionals and information users should not expect other professionals to do it on their behalf. If the measures recommended are taken into consideration they will not only lay down a strong basis for the creation of a national information policy but pave the way for its smooth creation.