Internet may aid Africa Colleges (16)
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It is thrilling to read about the virtual transformation of our poor
university libraries by the internet. While appreciating the potential
benefits and indeed the opening up of resources to our African scholars,
planners and others, let us no treat the internet as ultimate solver of our
problems. Along with this innovation we need to look at what ails our
information / telecommunication systems. Some of the issues we must look
at include:
POLICIES ON INFORMATION MANAGEMENT - ACCESS AND UTILISATION
Chissenga points out the easily forgotten university libraries, what
guarantee do we have that the libraries even in universities will have
access to this internet? Who meets the telecom charges? and what about the
access to journal literature for all learners? Has somebody done a cost -
benefit analysis of the internet in a third/fourth world situation ?
What I would like to see is a participatory implementation of the internet
where all concerned can have an input. I believe the internet can be an
opportunity for alleviating a lot of global problems, but I would advocate
a step by step plan that involves the users and policy makers.
The benefits of the internet should be reaped by those who have no access
to electricity, running water or shelter.
Margaret Mathai
e-mail: MMathai@idrc.ca
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