Library Automation in East and Southern African Universities: Proceedings of a Sub-regional Conference

Abstract

The paper considers the digital divide as a curse, which in spite of the creation of the global village by the advent of ICls, still keeps Africa lagging behind. The World Bank view of the Information revolution and its impact in the world provides the backdrop against which leTs are regarded as providing both the challenges, and the means for necessary adjustment. The impact of the African digital divide is then analysed statistically to illustrate the extent of the gap between Africa, and the rest of the world. This then leads to an in-depth discussion on Africa's own agenda for bridging the digital divide. Finally, the paper identifies the unique position that university libraries occupy, and the potential they have in spearheading the implementation of the African agenda for bridging the digital divide. African university libraries are seen as being part and parcel of the institutions affected by the digital divide, as there are no even leT developments between them. However, evidence from a recent survey still shows that it is difficult to obtain a clear overview of the status of digital initiatives in African universities in the region. The paper acknowledges the marginalisation of university libraries and argues that with proper focusing, they could constitute a major vehicle for bridging the digital divide.