Reports on a 1986-87 study of the value, storage conditions, use, and management of district records in Pakistan. Possible solutions to some of the problems identified are analyzed. Recommendations include relocation of records, microfilming, and development of records management and public access policies. Several immediate actions are also…

Reviews the historical background and present state of publishing in Kenya, including the role of indigenous and foreign firms. Problems identified include language and literacy problems; lack of the reading habit, support for authors, finances, and publishing expertise; high production costs; and inadequate publicity. (Author/MES)

Discusses Portuguese information sector (computers, libraries, specialized information services), which is described as very underdeveloped in comparison with other European countries. Highlights include computer applications in information services including national industrial database, INFOLNETI; access to international databases; official…

Discussion of national information policy focuses on Saudi Arabia and Malaysia. Documents from the two countries that were reviewed to examine policy provisions related to library and information services are listed, and Malaysia's national policy on library and information services is presented as a model for other developing countries. (Contains…

Two articles describe the establishment of national archives in Kenya and in Zanzibar. Kenya's history of mismanagement and destruction of documents by various governments and poor advice by foreign consultants is traced, and the value of Zanzibar's agricultural archives for national development and public administration is discussed. (CDD)

Discusses the basis for idea of harmonizing initial education of entrants to information professions. Progress toward coordination of curriculum, which is rare in developed countries although being adopted in schools in developing nations, is sketched from UNESCO discussions of 1974 through current activities of non-governmental organizations.…

Reviews the history and development of "The Message of the Library," the journal of the Jordan Library Association. Discusses reasons for the journal's success in terms of economics, finance, intellect, and content. Concludes that library journals in developing countries can survive if there is effective management and support from the…

Examines problems with archives and records management in Africa. Highlights include a lack of resources; poor management; inappropriate staff and inappropriate training; lack of effective tools and techniques; and suggested solutions, including support from top management, a change in archivists' attitudes, better staff selection and training,…

Discusses the role of the archivist in recording oral history and the controversy concerning the allocation of resources for this activity when traditional archival functions lack adequate funding. Oral history programs in developing nations are described, with emphasis on funding and training of the interviewers. (CLB)

Examines the nature and effects of federal government control on newspapers in Nigeria, and how action, or lack of action, by state governments, publishers, vendors, and libraries help create gaps in library newspaper files. The results of a national survey are reported and suggestions to improve the situation are offered. (CLB)

Reviews the scope and nature of aid for information and library development and analyzes contributions of bilateral and multilateral aid agencies and nongovernmental agencies. Forms of library aid are discussed, including consultancy, book and periodical donations, gifts of furniture, equipment and buildings, and provision of education and…

Three articles examine the book industry and records and information management in Zimbabwe: "The Zimbabwe International Book Fair" (Trish Mbanga); "The Zimbabwe Book Development Council" (M. Bamhare); and "The International Records Management Council in Zimbabwe" (Samuel Njovana). (JLB)

Examines the development of the Pacific Legal Information Network (PALIN). PALIN was designed to be an online information retrieval system for legal information between the Pacific island nations; however, now, it is a collection of legal holdings that may be photocopied and distributed. Guides to legislation in Papua New Guinea are also…

Describes plans to combine the University of Papua New Guinea's library and information studies with journalism and communication studies within a new South Pacific Centre for Communication and Information in Development. Issues covered include the planning process, the center's goals, and suggested programs of study. A sidebar presents abstracts…

Describes services aimed at agricultural information dissemination in India, which are based on a network of extension services provided through the cooperative efforts of agricultural universities, research institutes, state and federal government agencies, voluntary organizations, and commercial agencies. (CLB)