Barriers in using new information technology in document delivery in the Third World: prospects for the IFLA project in Ghana

Abstract

Since 1996 an IFLA/DANIDA project has been underway to enhance interlending and document supply in Ghana. Through external funding the project aims to establish an electronic networking system, to train local librarians in the use of new technology and in ILDS systems generally; to develop relationships with major Western libraries. If the project is successful it is likely to be extended to other Third World countries. The project is being carried out against the background of traditional library problems in Africa, e.g. underfunding, poor telecommunications, lack of computing equipment, limited local expertise, inadequate staff numbers and poor training facilities. Through the project, promising progress is already being made.

The Impact of CD-ROM in the University of Ghana Medical School Library

“…The low level of CD-ROM use recorded by this study is not an isolated case. This trend has similarly been observed in Ghanaian libraries by previous studies (Boye, 1996;Kisiedu, 1999). Among the reasons given for this are that computer technology and CD-ROM service in libraries in Ghana are relatively new phenomena whose full potentials have yet to be fully exploited by both service providers and users.…”

“…This finding is also confirmed by other studies (Addo, 1992;Kisiedu, 1994;Boye, 1996). Inadequate local library collections are even more problematic as local resource sharing initiatives, full text electronic databases and overseas borrowing, which should supplement local holdings are either not available or very inadequate (Badu, 1994;Alemna, 1996;Kisiedu, 1999).…”

IT capacity building in developing countries: A model of the Maldivian tourism sector

“…Unlike developed countries where hardware and software support are a given, developing countries are hampered by the lack of support personnel in events of computerized information systems development and maintenance (Melih). Poor education and inadequate training systems in developing countries are the main causes of unavailability (Black & King, 2002;Burns, 1999;Heady, 1979;Kisiedu, 1999). Often teachers are recruited based on their ethnic origin, personal relationship, or political affiliation (Herschbach, 1997), and they are expected to work at low remuneration, with insufficient training materials and facilities and in crowded classrooms (Braa et al, 2001;Higgo, 2003).…”

“…One overriding factor that contributes to the unsuccessful adoption and adaptation of IT in developing countries above all others seems to be the lack of IT skills and human capital (Lee, 2001). There are many instances of where lack of IT skills and training have been identified as one of the major obstacles to successful adoption, management, or use of IT in these countries (Bhatnagar, 2000;Braa et al, 2001;Kisiedu, 1999;Lim, 1999;Macías-Chapula, 2001;MacLeod & Chiware, 1993;Melih, 1997;Okunoye, 2003;Srikantaiah & Xiaoying, 1998).…”

Awareness and Use of Serials in an African University Library: Faculty and Students’ Perspective

“…The situation is not different from Ghana. The use of serial publications in Ghana has been reported by a number of researchers (Arkaifie, 1997;Kisiedu, 1999;Adika, 2003;and Dadzie 2005). These studies report low to average usage of serials in Ghanaian universities.…”