The use of microcomputers in documentation and information centers in Africa

Abstract

In 1988 the Pan African Documentation and Information System (PADIS) prepared a study on the use of microcomputers in information and documentation centers in Africa that was presented to the fifth session of the joint conference of African planners, statisticians and demographers. The conference commended the study and requested that it be replicated for the Sixth session of the Joint Conference in order to discern changes and trends in the area. As in 1988. PADIS again sent out a questionnaire to its mailing list of libraries. documentation and information centers in Africa. The number of responses in 1989- 1990 were comparable to those received in 1988. In order to facilitate comparability of the two surveys. the same questionnaire was used. updating those questions which referred to specific dates. The questionnaire had three sections: The first section dealt with general information; The second section sought information on the type and characteristics of the computer equipment used, in cases where it was present, and, where applicable. the plans for computerization; The third section concerned only institutions which had, or had access to, microcomputers.