Automation of library and information services in developing countries; the West African position
Benzies Y. Boadi, P. Havard‐Williams · Data Technologies and Applications · 1983
Although some of the library and information centres in West Africa have access to computers, automation has not been used much in the services provided. The sub‐region may not be ready yet for large‐scale automation. However, there are areas in which the existing computer facilities may be beneficially employed. Such relatively simple computer operations as the production of union lists, union catalogues, directories and similar services are within the expertise of the sub‐region and call for immediate automation. The further use of automation in nationally co‐ordinated acquisition and cataloguing programmes as well as in the provision of current awareness programmes has been suggested as areas worth exploring. As in all library and information work, the active support of the various national governments is seen as necessary for the successful implementation of these programmes.