Considers Southern African Development Community (SADC) digital library and information service (LIS) developments and observes an uneven regional pattern, the highlights of which are: though a number of libraries, mostly academic, have Web Online Public Access Catalogues (OPACs), these facilities are generally underdeveloped across the region; South African and Namibian public libraries metadata is accessible on the Internet; regionally, there are a few Internet links to SADC based resources; digital information access policies are restrictive; leadership from National Library Associations is limited; and, regionally, a number of digital library projects are under way. The critical issues affecting digital LIS developments are: insufficient finance; lack of focused management strategies; underdeveloped information technology and communications infrastructure; predominance of English and low information and computer literacy rates. It is concluded that information technology advances require libraries to restructure, establish cooperative networks and empower selective target user groups with digital skills to give shape to the nucleus of a regional information society.

The results of a survey carried out at eight of the 14 public libraries in Swaziland regarding the availability of HIV/AIDS information resources indicate that: limited and non‐current information on various subjects appealing to a select cross‐section of library users is available; the information resources are lacking in appropriateness; titles are duplicated, limiting resource‐sharing between regions; access is restricted and usage levels are low. It is recommended that libraries in Swaziland should contribute to the effectiveness of the campaign against HIV/AIDS by: collaborating with existing partnerships to influence the production, distribution and access to appropriate materials; embarking on high profile HIV/AIDS information exhibitions at public fora; extending information access to remote communities; and exploiting e‐mail facilities to facilitate timely access to, and solicit innovative ideas on, selective dissemination of HIV/AIDS information.

Describes the codification in Swaziland of knowledge on diseases and indigenous plants used to treat them, traditional healing, law and custom, folk tales, constitutional preferences, etc. Observes that catalogues, bibliographies, inter-library loan facilities, audiovisual (AV) applications, workshops, conferences and oral interviews are an important means of accessing and sharing indigenous knowledge. Notes the limitations in the foregoing and the impact of information and communication technology (ICT) applications on indigenous knowledge management (IKM) in Swaziland. Argues that despite the apparent underutilization of library and information services (LIS) expertise, the profession plays a key role in indigenous knowledge organization and preservation as well as promoting access and sharing. Suggests close cooperation between subject domain specialists, ICT and LIS experts, optimization on the available ICT infrastructure to develop a Web based portal to indigenous knowledge resources, deepening of AV applications at Tinkhundla community centres, and a LIS discussion list to assist in sharing IKM experiences, skills and best practices.

This is a case study of eight Southern African university library home pages. Its purpose is to trace usability from the 1990s in the context of limited information and computer literacy and English skills. Using the Wayback Machine, WAVE, version 4.0 and Readability test tools and manual checks, the evaluative criteria included accessibility, readability, library-user interaction facilities, currency and visual appeal and innovativeness. The main hurdles established are: (i) lack of alternative texts for images, (ii) use of terminology likely to be misunderstood and availability of content not understandable to all users, (iii) invisibility of cutting edge resources and services and (iv) outdated information and use of strenuous color schemes. Usability improvements included online forms to ease library-user communication and increasing adoption of attractive resources and services. The study concludes that the usability of the home pages beyond 2008 depends on rigorous implementation of usability standards and giving prominence to innovative resources and services.

Reports on a study of distance library services at the University of Swaziland. Observes that the user group is young and unemployed. Identifies the access challenges arising from transportation and funding limitations, lack of library and information technology skills, insufficient resources and user support, restrictive policies, poor photocopying, ILL and online search services and competition from on-campus students. Argues that public libraries support distance library services more than the Internet in Swaziland. Recommends a dedicated budget and staffing, relevant user education, liberalization of access policies, provision of more Internet and OPAC terminals, satellite library services and consolidated resource sharing agreements.