Information in a Networked World: the Nigerian Perspective

This paper identifies and recognizes information not only as a protean asset, but also as the ultimate powerhouse for any country. If information is power, then it follows that for Nigeria to go forward, it must be information-based and information-driven. In order to achieve this, however, the paper advocates that government should establish the basic, essential national information infrastructure. The paper also argues for Nigeria to be Internet-ready, as well as being Intranet- and Extranet-enabled, as a sine qua non for Nigeria's successful participation in the global economy. Details on Nigeria's information infrastructure and its weaknesses are described as well as plans for improving it. The paper also discusses the different types of information networks in Nigeria and the sectors of the economy that are already involved.     

Mapping the landscape of biomedical research in Nigeria since 1967

This article maps the biomedical literature of Nigeria by source/origin of publications and authorships from 1967 to 2002. This mapping is expected to provide crucial information to both government and others taking funding and related decisions regarding biomedical research in Nigeria. Data was collected from MEDLINE. Scientists publishing on Nigerian biomedicine have written 6,820 articles in 295 journals/sources. Only eight of the 121 local journals that published biomedical research in Nigeria during the period were included in MEDLINE's listing (2.72%), while there were 32 (10.84%) regional and 255 (86.44%) external journals used. Local journals appeared to be more heavily used than regional and external ones. It was also shown that MEDLINE does not adequately represent Nigeria's biomedical literature.     

Planning Istanbul’s Public Library System

The paper is an attempt to analyse the role of Nigerian television (TV) journalists as major participants in mass information production, transfer, and, delivery. The analysis centres on the legal, political, economic, and cultural contexts in which the TV journalists operate, and the dangers, problems, and frustrations involved in this operation. It also analyses the strategic role of the TV and its impact as a medium of mass information. The paper concludes by analyzing how TV programming orientation has been skewed in favour of more literate urban and semi-urban populations, and how Nigeria's legal, political, economic, and cultural environments are unfavourable for conscientious and conscious TV journalists. It suggests that only when the TV journalists re-orient themselves and assert their right as people's conscience can they mobilize society for positive change.     

A Study of the Impact of Medical Libraries on Clinical Decision-Making in Nigeria University Teaching Hospitals

This study is aimed at examining the impact of an institution's medical library on the clinical decision-making of medical officers in two Nigerian University Teaching Hospitals. Medical information sources consulted by medical officers in Nigeria University teaching hospitals were examined. The results of the study revealed that the information provided by the library was appropriate to their clinical decisions. Medics rely mostly on their institution's library and personal data collections for information. Information is sought for the purposes of managing patients, evaluating new drugs, and support for the diagnosis of ailments. Scientific and technical journals, Index Medicus, Excerpta Medical, CD-ROM (MEDLINE) databases and foreign magazines are widely consulted. Respondents judged the library collection as fair. The study recommends that the existing medical libraries and information centers in Nigeria be well stocked for the retraining of librarians in modern information technology.     

A Study of the Impact of Medical Libraries on Clinical Decision-Making in Nigeria University Teaching Hospitals

This study is aimed at examining the impact of an institution's medical library on the clinical decision-making of medical officers in two Nigerian University Teaching Hospitals. Medical information sources consulted by medical officers in Nigeria University teaching hospitals were examined. The results of the study revealed that the information provided by the library was appropriate to their clinical decisions. Medics rely mostly on their institution's library and personal data collections for information. Information is sought for the purposes of managing patients, evaluating new drugs, and support for the diagnosis of ailments. Scientific and technical journals, Index Medicus, Excerpta Medical, CD-ROM (MEDLINE) databases and foreign magazines are widely consulted. Respondents judged the library collection as fair. The study recommends that the existing medical libraries and information centers in Nigeria be well stocked for the retraining of librarians in modern information technology.     

Adoption of Digital Preservation Methods for Theses in Nigerian Academic Libraries: Applications and Implications

Graduating students of higher institutions in Nigeria usually write and submit theses, as a requirement for the award of diplomas, undergraduate and postgraduate degrees. This paper examines the importance of students' theses to research, industrial and economic development of the nation and therefore advocates the need to preserve them. It discusses the intricate dimensions of the preservation of theses in academic libraries and notes the urgent need to address the worsening deteriorating state of students' theses in academic libraries in Nigeria. The paper also discusses the current traditional preservation methods practiced among academic libraries and observed that these methods are not adequate. It recommends that academic libraries in Nigeria should digitize theses and adopt the cloud computing preservation model through the operations of institutional repositories. The paper further identified digital divide and poor technological infrastructure, inadequate funding, data security breaches and issues revolving around copyright as challenges of digitization and cloud computing, and made recommendations.     

The role of ICT in information seeking and use amongst research officers in research institutes in Nigeria: The nigerian institute for oceanography & marine research institute experience

Information Communication Technology (ICT) is on the lips of every nation of earth because it brings innovation into information seeking and knowledge acquisition. It is on this premise that this study is embarked upon to identify the roles ICT plays in information seeking and use amongst research officers in Research Institutes in Nigeria. The paper case studies the Nigerian Institute for Oceanography and Marine Research, Lagos using questionnaires, interviews, personal observation and examining relevant records. One hundred and seventy two research officers of the institute were sampled upon. The study examines awareness, use, exposure to ICT; role of ICT and improvements on ICT tools among other things. Results show that ICT plays an immense role in information sourcing, generation, processing, storage/retrieval, dissemination and even entertainment. Also, it shows that for ICT to be used optimally and maximally, there is need to have steady/regular power supply, workable/stable infrastructure and provision of more ICT tools and centres. Recommendations were made to the Federal Government of Nigeria to provide reliable sources of electricity and infrastructure or adapt the technology to local conditions and requirements (e.g. current/planned infrastructure). Manufacturers of ICT tools are urged to use non-radioactive materials in the manufacture of the tools. Other stakeholders should check for security and provide for more African sites.     

Development of Library and Information Science Education in Africa

This paper gives a comprehensive account of the development of library and information science education in Africa. Ghana was first to start any kind of library education in 1944 but the formal education started at Ibadan, Nigeria in 1959. By 1970 there were six library schools; four new schools started during 1970s and another six during 1980s. Two Regional Schools with Master's programme in Information Science started in 1990. Two new schools are likely to start soon. Nigeria alone has eight schools providing professional education at all levels including PhD (which is only available in Nigeria) and an exclusive programme of Master in Information Science at ARCIS, Ibadan. Several schools, realizing the importance of new developments in information science and technology, are planning to incorporate this component into their curriculae. The existing programmes need to be assessed in context of information needs of Africa.     

Resource Sharing in the ICT Era: The Case of Nigerian University Libraries

The paper examines how information and communication technology can be utilized for resource sharing among university libraries in Nigeria. It was based on the study and review of recent library and information science literature on both print and electronic resources. It discusses the meaning of information and communication technology, resource sharing practices, and how information and communication technology facilitates resource sharing. It traces the history of resource sharing among Nigerian libraries. The current state of information and communication technology application and utilization in Nigeria and its university libraries is revealed, with emphasis on university libraries that are located in different zones of the country. The paper examines challenges facing Nigerian University Libraries with respect to information and communication technology application and utilization for resource sharing, as well as to areas of library operations to which information and communication technology can be applied and utilized for resource sharing. It concludes by proffering solutions for viable information and communication technologies–based cooperation among university libraries in Nigeria.     

National library for Bangladesh

This paper gives a comprehensive account of the development of library and information science education in Africa. Ghana was first to start any kind of library education in 1944 but the formal education started at Ibadan, Nigeria in 1959. By 1970 there were six library schools; four new schools started during 1970s and another six during 1980s. Two Regional Schools with Master's programme in Information Science started in 1990. Two new schools are likely to start soon. Nigeria alone has eight schools providing professional education at all levels including PhD (which is only available in Nigeria) and an exclusive programme of Master in Information Science at ARCIS, Ibadan. Several schools, realizing the importance of new developments in information science and technology, are planning to incorporate this component into their curriculae. The existing programmes need to be assessed in context of information needs of Africa.     

我国信息资源产业发展的战略思考

信息资源与能源、材料并列为当今世界三大资源,信息资源产业的发展也必将成为推动我国社会生产和国民经济发展的重要力量。随着网络化的发展,信息资源将进一步深入到生产生活的各方面。纵观我国这几年来信息资源产业的发展,虽取得了显著的成绩,但在网络基础设施运营、知识产权保护、网络信息安全及行业技术标准统一等方面都存在不少问题。针对上述发展现状,提出合理有效的对策措施,以规范健全我国信息资源产业,保证其健康、稳定、高速发展。     

Deterioration of library and archival materials in the delta region of Nigeria

Factors identified to cause deterioration of library and archival materials in the Delta region of Nigeria are discussed. They include the influence of the environment, the physical and chemical effect of the paper used and the devastating effects of animals and plants. Man's attitude to book use is also discussed as well as the present economic influence on maintenance and security of materials.     

构筑知识基础结构的关键技术

知识经济和信息技术的发展正在改变信息服务业的基础结构, 本文通过对“后数字图书馆”、美国科学基金会的“先进计算网络基础结构”计划(NSF-ACP)发展动向和基本思想的研究,认为从信息基础结构向知识基础结构转变是21世纪发展知识型信息服务业的必然选择。论文论述了构建知识基础结构的基本框架,对网格、Web Services、知识组织系统、科研网络协同环境、个性化信息服务等构建知识基础结构的关键技术做了探讨。     

The effect of government policies on the acquisition of library resources in Nigeria

The acquisition of library resources in Nigeria at one time was mainly import oriented. This made the acquisition process very involved in foreign trade and foreign exchange transfer, with most items purchased from overseas book dealers. In the 1970s and 1980s Nigeria was affected by the prevailing world economic condition, and the nation experienced a decline in foreign exchange earnings. In order to improve the nation's economy, the government introduced certain structural policies. This paper highlights the effect of these government policies on the acquisition of library resources generally and the book trade in particular in the country, and the survival measures adopted by the Nigerian libraries.     

Connecting Social Technologies with Information Literacy

ABSTRACT

Social technologies such as Weblogs, wikis, and social bookmarking are emerging both as information resources and as tools for research. This paper reflects on these technologies and suggests they may be well placed to build fluency in the higher-order thinking skills outlined in various information literacy frameworks, particularly in an educational context. A high proportion of today's learners are very comfortable with technology and Web 2.0 resources. The characteristics of the information they are accessing are also changing, bringing a stronger need for sophisticated evaluation and analysis skills. Where do social technologies fit within information literacy frameworks, and where can they be used in the day-to-day instruction of information skills? This paper suggests social technologies perform a dual role: they are not only useful sources of information but also resources to be used to develop ideas and research, using collaboration and community platforms that learners today are familiar with. Librarians who provide information literacy instruction would benefit from an awareness of these tools and where they sit within today's information environment.     

Mapping the Health Communication Infrastructure in Rural Senegal: an Assessment to Support Cervical Cancer Screening

Cervical cancer is the leading cause of women's cancer deaths in Senegal, but few medical personnel are trained to perform cervical cancer screening. In rural areas, the situation is worse. To remedy this, a collaborative of researchers and stakeholders trained local health-care workers in cervical cancer screening through the “training-of-trainers” method. However, lack of cancer screening knowledge, barriers, and a hard-to-reach population may jeopardize the collaborative's efforts. The purpose of this study is to map the health communication infrastructure by applying communication infrastructure theory to assess general health and cancer screening knowledge, as well as attitudes and barriers toward screening. Results from focus groups and interviews show that women have minimal knowledge of cervical cancer. Moreover, health workers report detrimental attitudes in menopausal women. Our findings identified routes for information dissemination and attitude change including community radio and local health talks.     

Public Library Services in the Knowledge Economy: The Sierra Leone Experience

Sierra Leone's knowledge economy stresses the importance of information for national development, and libraries have a crucial role to play in this development. Libraries are catalysts for human progress because they help in the development and transmission of knowledge and culture; they foster civic awareness in support of economic productivity and innovation in society. Although many economic programs have been implemented by the Sierra Leone government, a vast amount of information is unused, either because national decision-makers do not realize its importance or because people who might want it do not know how to access it. The public library has to play an increasingly significant role if rapid economic recovery is to be made. This article examines Sierra Leone's economy in postwar reconstruction, the importance of information and knowledge in a knowledge economy, and the problems affecting library services and how the public library can overcome these problems and make meaningful contributions to the knowledge economy.     

Improving access to Japanese scientific and technical literature in the United States: The role of the Federal government

Currently, the United States lacks a clear and consistent information policy defining and regulating the Federal role in collection and dissemination of Japanese scientific and technical information (STI) to users in the public and private sectors. One long-term consequence of this situation involves negative impacts on American scientific and technological innovation and on competitiveness in the global economy.After a discussion of the existing legislative and regulatory environment shaping the Federal government's approach to Japanese STI activities, the article presents five policy options, each of which describes a different role for the Federal government. Finally, the article recommends a combination of two options that will create the basis for a Federal information policy designed to support a self-sustaining STI infrastructure in the United States. That infrastructure will efficiently access and disseminate Japanese STI to public and private sector users.     

The defense technical information center: Expanding its horizons

Nearing its 50th anniversary, the Defense Technical Information Center (DTIC) continues to support the conduct of DoD research, development, and engineering programs. DTIC provides a full range of information services, providing its customers with document services, database services, and information analysis. Included in its mission are the investigation, experimentation, and application of advanced information science and technology, permitting it to be a leader in the use of the World Wide Web in the Department of Defense. Scientific and technical information (STI) remains DTIC's primary area of concern, but DTIC's organizational and professional culture of providing information content and DTIC's information technology infrastructure have permitted DTIC to extend its customer base beyond the science and technology communities. DTIC now provides external access to publicly releasable defense informaion such as DoD public affairs, environmental, and economic security information.