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Periodical article Periodical article Leiden University catalogue Leiden University catalogue WorldCat catalogue WorldCat
Title:Accessing African archives, libraries & journals: partnerships, ethics, & equity in the 21st century
Author:Limb, PeterISNI
Year:2002
Periodical:African Research and Documentation
Issue:90
Pages:29-41
Language:English
Geographic term:Africa
Subjects:libraries
information technology
Abstract:Because of financial and other reasons, the scholarly world in Africa is starved of resources. In this article the author reports on some important new projects focusing on electronic communications, publishing, and information sources, such as the African e-Journals Project, African Journals Online, and the African Online Digital Library. As globalization is likely to intensify various problems faced by African libraries, he notes down some points on which effective, preventive measures could be taken. One of his major points is that the precarious situation is often a temptation to 'rescue' or purchase collections and the removal of archives will rob Africa of part of its cultural heritage. Websites and digital libraries are a possible solution, but they may fall victim to the technology gap. Among the points he makes are that archives should remain in their country of origin; if they are removed for safety, copies (and eventually originals) must be returned; Western repositories must avoid the temptation to use their financial muscle to purchase collections; digitalization projects and sharing of e-resources should involve Africans as full partners; the visibility and viability of African journals, and the supply to Africa of Western journals should be the priority of African Studies and library associations. Bibliogr., sum. [ASC Leiden abstract]
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