Global Information and libraries in sub‐Saharan Africa

Contributes to the discussion on the impact of Global Information on Africa with specific emphasis on libraries in sub‐Saharan Africa. Indicates that the impact of GI on libraries in sub‐Saharan Africa is closely linked to the status of information technology application in libraries and the state of electronic connectivity in the countries of the sub‐region. With the current general low level of computerisation and electronic connectivity in libraries in most of the countries in the region, the impact of GI can be noticed mainly in the libraries of the Republic of South Africa, where the state of economic development and information technology infrastructure is way ahead of the rest of the sub‐continent. Libraries in South Africa are using the Internet for electronic publishing and provision of and access to electronic information services to library users. Most libraries in other countries, which have established full Internet access, only have access to e‐mail facilities, and are not exploiting the facilities fully. Concludes that, unless libraries are properly funded, equipped, and well staffed, they will not be able to take advantage of the Internet access being established in sub‐Saharan Africa and will consequently be left out in the race for the establishment of a Global Information infrastructure.