Library computerisation in areas remote from major centres of computerisation: some influencing factors

Abstract

Problems are experienced when introducing computerised systems by libraries in countries remote from the major centres of development and expertise in the field of library computerisation. Main problems identified are those of lack of expertise of librarians and of hardware and software suppliers, a limited market for such systems in these ‘remote’ countries and hence a limited range of appropriate hardware and particularly software available or marketed, a reliance on the products and support of major computer suppliers, and access to relatively limited resources leaving little scope for the adaptation of existing library software to suit local needs or for the development of new systems. Solutions to these problems lie in cooperation and coordination of library computerisation so that maximum benefit can be derived from available resources and expertise, a conscious effort being made to become as self‐reliant as available resources will allow, the use of library systems developed abroad with as little adaptation as possible being made to them, the careful evaluation of those systems available as well as of their suppliers, and possibly in future a greater use of dedicated mini‐ and microcomputer‐based systems as such systems become more readily available. The problems and solutions discussed are illustrated by referring to the experience of library computerisation in the Republic of South Africa.

Citation

Margaret Lodder, N. (1984), "Library computerisation in areas remote from major centres of computerisation: some influencing factors", The Electronic Library, Vol. 2 No. 2, pp. 115-127. https://doi.org/10.1108/eb044617