Describes the events that led to the establishment of the national policy for informatics in Brazil, which restricts foreign involvement in that nation's computer industry. The governing agencies are described, controversies and debates surrounding the policy are summarized, and the reaction of the American government is discussed. (Author/CLB)

Legislation to establish integrated national library service in Zimbabwe was enacted in 1985, but its development has been hampered by lack of funds. A school of library and information science has been established at Harare Polytechnic. Staff training and financial support are main problems facing service in future. (6 references) (EJS)

Use of online bibliographic databases in Mexico is provided through Servicio de Consulta a Bancos de Informacion, a public service that provides information retrieval, document delivery, translation, technical support, and training services. Technical infrastructure is based on a public packet-switching network and institutional users may receive…

Seven articles discuss topics related to information activities supported by Canada's International Development Research Centre (IDRC): (1) background on the Information Science Division; (2) advances in information technology; (3) the role of information specialists; (4) information networking in Latin America; (5) reaching information users; (6)…

Discusses the need for and barriers to interlending services in the Caribbean. Criteria for an effective interlending system are identified and ways in which the Caribbean might meet these criteria are explored. It is suggested that what is said about the Caribbean may be relevant to other regions contemplating an interlending network. (four…

Describes the state of human resources development in Sudan's information industry. Training problems and the emigration of high level personnel are discussed, guidelines for human resource development are suggested, and national strategies to develop and retain Sudan's human resources are suggested. (EA)

Outlines a strategy for marketing the information products and services of the Water and Sanitation Information and Documentation Centre (MAJIDOC) of the Water Resources Institute in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Objectives of the marketing strategy are explained, ideas for internal and external promotion are described, and a budget plan is included.…

Discusses the use of microfilming for the preservation of deteriorating academic library materials and describes microfilming activities at the University of Peradeniya (Sri Lanka) which were initiated to preserve materials in case of terrorist attacks. Other arrangements are described that were developed to ensure the materials' protection while…

The National Language and Literature Development Agency (Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka) in Malaysia promotes literacy and reading through publishing, book promotion, book distribution, extension programs, writing incentives, and maintenance of a special library. The article signals a need for the understanding of reasons why interest in reading has not…

Analyzes the origins of the myth of an information and knowledge gap between developed countries and those of sub-Sahara Africa, and examines the present day reality of this gap. An approach to technology transfer is outlined which would reduce the gap and provide a means for capturing, repackaging and preserving African knowledge. (nine…

Describes the role of the United Nations University (UNU) in promoting the effective use of new information technologies in support of science and technology for development. The UNU Information and Decision Systems (INDES) project examines the constraints preventing developing nations from using advances in informatics and from integrating their…

Presents edited text of an interview with Else Granheim, the first woman president of the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA). Topics discussed include personal and professional attributes that are helpful in a career in IFLA, the role of women in the association, developments in IFLA, and the role of Third…

Describes the establishment and development of the Standing Conference of Eastern, Central, and Southern African Librarians (SCECSAL) and assesses its effectiveness, particularly in terms of the implementation of conference resolutions by member library associations. The biennial conferences and published proceedings are discussed and suggestions…

Discusses the national archives of Zimbabwe, the legislation that has directed the collection and use of the archives, the value of colonial archives in the educational process, the preservation of cultural heritage, and the formation of national policy. (CLB)

Presents comparative survey of development of national information infrastructures and formulation of national information policy in India and China. Highlights include influence of foreign models, library and information work traditions, indigenous development, existing organizational structures for scientific and technological information, and…