Information Development

This is the fifth of a regular series in which we exchange information about the CDS/ISIS software package running under MS-DOS on IBM Personal Computers and compatibles. Readers who have any comments, queries, suggestions, hints or advice on the use of the package are asked to send them direct to:

Describes the damage caused to libraries in the Mexico City earthquake of 19 September 1985, and national and international efforts at reconstruction. Although not many libraries were damaged, some of the busiest libraries had to be closed due to earthquake damage. One library employee was killed in the earthquake. A National Committee for the Reconstruction of Libraries was set up and received international support through IFLA and other organizations.

Report on a survey of the administration, care and accessibility of district records in Pakistan, carried out between December 1986 and March 1987. Analyzes possible solutions to the problems of dealing with these records and makes recommendations for long-term and immediate action by the Pakistan authorities.

Describes the work of the National Language and Literature Development Agency (Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka: DBP) in the promotion of literacy and reading in Malaysia. Although Malaysia has a fairly high literacy rate and a good educational system, the reading habit has not developed as it should. A national reading campaign was launched in 1980 to try to improve the situation. The DBP is involved in publishing, book promotion, book distribution and extension activities aimed at increasing the amount of literature available in Bahasa Malaysia and developing the reading habit among Malaysians. It offers incentives to authors and maintains a special library. There is still a need for a more perceptive understanding of the reasons for the lack of the reading habit in Malaysia.

Reviews the historical background and present state of publishing in Kenya, including the role of both indigenous and foreign firms.

The main problems include: a high rate of illiteracy; lack of the reading habit; lack of local writers; language problems; lack of finance; high production costs ; marketing and distribution problems; lack of expertise, and inadequate publicity. These can affect both indigenous and other publishers, who should cooperate more. Despite the problems, Kenyan publishing has a future.

Report on a survey of interlibrary lending among academic and special libraries in Kenya, carried out in 1989. Analyzes the results under the headings: holdings; areas of specialization; involvement in interlending; materials lent and borrowed most; volume of interlibrary lending; problems encountered; trends in interlibrary lending; importance of interlending. Discusses the future of interlending in Kenya.

The sixth in a series of articles on library buildings completed in the 1980s, based largely on the library and architectural literature. Describes new library buildings in the Arab states, Iran and Israel.