Information Development

This paper traces the growth of the Internet and knowledge networks in the world, with an explanation of the implications of the Internet for the developing world. Starting with a brief history of the development of the Internet, the paper describes the phenomenal growth of Internet networks and how the uses made of the Internet have evolved tremendously in the last fifteen years. The potential of the Internet has not been fully realized in many developing countries due to a variety of factors. Therefore there is a unique opportunity for libraries and librarians to lead the movement to increase access to information for citizens of developing countries, through using the powers of the Internet adapted to the conditions in each country.

Community Development Library (CDL), a development information and communication network in Bangladesh, has been serving the community with up-to-date information with the help of its Rural Information Resource Centres (RIRCs). CDL has opened up a new horizon in expanding education, poverty alleviation, gender, environment, health awareness for the country people. The paper provides a comprehensive overview of the Community Development Library as a source of development information in Bangladesh and explores its impacts on the people of Bangladesh.

This paper presents an integrated (integrating paper and electronic records) records management programme as a model for managing public service records to support accountability, transparency and good governance in Namibia. Describes the existing records management policies, systems and procedures in the public sector in Namibia and the problems encountered. These problems have been compounded by the increasing reliance on electronic records due to the adoption of the principles and practices of e-government.

Describes the information services provided by Shanghai Library for the 2010 World Expo, to be held in Shanghai. The Library has established both a physical and a virtual Shanghai Exposition Information Center (http://www.worldexpoinfo. cn/). The collection of documents on World Expos has become one of the richest collections in the world on this topic. Value-added information services based on the collection include information services for local enterprises and local government in the form of monthly briefings. Shanghai Library staff have also been involved in editing, translating and writing six titles in the World Expo Book Series. These activities reflect the important role of public libraries in providing information services.

While education and training of archives and records professionals within Sub Saharan Africa has a history of about five decades, elsewhere professional development has a history lasting several centuries. In Europe, archivists have been in existence since the 17th century while in North America, while the history is just about one century old, within that time a lot of innovation has been evident. This article provides a summary of developments in the two continents, drawing lessons that could be useful in reinvigorating discussion within the African continent.