HIV/AIDS information resources and services: a Swaziland case study

The results of a survey carried out at eight of the 14 public libraries in Swaziland regarding the availability of HIV/AIDS information resources indicate that: limited and non‐current information on various subjects appealing to a select cross‐section of library users is available; the information resources are lacking in appropriateness; titles are duplicated, limiting resource‐sharing between regions; access is restricted and usage levels are low. It is recommended that libraries in Swaziland should contribute to the effectiveness of the campaign against HIV/AIDS by: collaborating with existing partnerships to influence the production, distribution and access to appropriate materials; embarking on high profile HIV/AIDS information exhibitions at public fora; extending information access to remote communities; and exploiting e‐mail facilities to facilitate timely access to, and solicit innovative ideas on, selective dissemination of HIV/AIDS information.