Information Development

Ghana's Economic Recovery Programme emphasizes the importance of information for national development, and libraries have a major role to play in this respect. The shortcomings of existing library services are described. Problems which must be solved before libraries can play their part in economic recovery are outlined and solutions proposed. The essential first step towards library development is an appreciation by the government of the vital role of library services in national development.

Compares the costs and the relative advantages and disadvantages of information delivery using online retrieval systems and CD-ROM systems in developing countries. Concludes that the advantages of CD-ROM as a medium for information delivery in the developing countries are clear, although it is not a panacea for all information problems.

Reflects on developments in information technology, their present state of application and general significance for the future of archives and records management services. Emphasizes the need for infrastructural standards and reviews efforts to achieve harmonization of training and standardization in relation to the description and exchange of archival data. Considers the likely impact of future technological developments, including the use of optical storage and optical character recognition systems, on archives and records management systems. These developments emphasize the need for professional cooperation and training.

Summarises the role of the archives of the National Bank of Greece in promoting archival modernization and development in the country.

Analyses the origins of the myth of an information and knowledge gap between developed countries and those of sub-Saharan Africa and examines the present-day reality with regard to this gap.

Surveys newspaper publishing in Nigeria and newspaper indexing in Nigerian libraries and outlines the problems of using the indexes. Proposes indexer characteristics and advocates subject indexes to all newspapers as against indexes to individual newspapers. Discusses indexing techniques and processes, illustrating the adoption of typical Nigerian subjects as a remedy for deficiencies in the Library of Congress Subject Headings, and urges the National Library to formulate indexing standards, compile and publish indexing terms, index newspapers and publish subject indexes.

Describes the history and development of the library of Moi University, Kenya, which was established in 1984. Outlines the problems of staffing, acquisitions, cataloguing and classification, and social and environmental problems, particularly those arising from the geographical isolation of the university. Assesses the library's achievements and describes plans for its future development, including a proposed new library building.