"CD-ROM publishing is evolving so fast that there is no way that African users can keep pace with the new developments. As a result, African universities are hard-pressed to make appropriate decisions concerning the best allocation of scarce resources, which means that many of them are subscribing t
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o databases that are inappropriate to their needs. These databases can be very expensive, taking the major share of a library's budget and leaving it little room to acquire other types of materials. Moreover, although database acquisition might be underwritten by donor funding at the outset, grants inevitably expire, leaving librarians with the dilemma of finding money to pay for subscription renewals - thus calling into question the long-term sustainability of CD-ROM utilization at their institutions. To meet these needs, the AAAS Sub-Saharan Africa Program decided to embark on an initiative to evaluate CD-ROM databases in the sciences and social sciences for their relevance to African teaching and research needs. The assessments were carried out in seven universities, two of which were in South Africa. An evaluation workshop was organized to assess the collected data. This book contains abridged versions of reports presented at the workshop and, although the book is about CD-ROM, it is not devoted to CD-ROM entirely. There are chapters on document delivery, current awareness services and on-line searching." (https://cgspace.cgiar.org/handle/10568/47476)
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"Experiences gained by the Documentation Center of the German Foundation for International Development have been used to develop this manual on the establishment of information and documentation centers. Guidelines are set forth for the orientation phase of the operation, beginning with a market ana
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lysis and consultation with experts in the field. In the design phase, factors are determined that characterize the concept and efficiency of the information system of the center. Scope, target group, user needs, types of documentation, information elements, and types of services must be taken into account. Working tools in the development process include: (1) classification systems; (2) procurement regulations; (3) work sheets; (4) rule for formal (bibliographical) description; (5) indexing rules; (6) data processing rules; (7) order of call numbers/filing system; (8) storage systems; (9) instruments of control and management; and (10) contacts to other information and documentation centers. The planning of manpower and physical requirements follows, with the introductory phase of operations coming next. The introductory phase of establishing the operation is followed by a test phase. Annexes include an organizational chart, a description of tasks and activities, indicators for working time, and a description of a typical proportion of activities in a small center." ( Education Resources Information Center databank)
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