Bridge Builders African Experiences With Information and Communication Technology (1996) / Chapter Skim
Currently Skimming:
INRODUCTION
INRODUCTION
Pages 1-10
The Chapter Skim interface presents what we've algorithmically identified as the most significant single chunk of text within every page in the chapter.
Select key terms on the right to highlight them within pages of the chapter.
From page 1... ...
~ Looking at information and communication both as inputs to and results of the scientific process, the workshop participants identified CD-ROM, desktop publishing, and electronic networking as key information technologies for African scientists. In addition, they identified the collection, management and dissemination of local information resources as an area of both great need and potential in Africa.
|
From page 2... ...
The panel recommended to Carnegie that it draw on its knowledge of STI projects in Africa to produce a volume of case studies that would: focus on the lessons learned in designing and implementing STI projects; examine the impacts these projects have had; identify gaps in our information base; share innovative and cost-effective ways to market new products and services and ways to measure the impact of these on the users; and share information on proposal formulation, evaluation methods, and information marketing. THE EDITORIAL AND SELECTION PROCESSES To collect the case studies, the Advisory Panel appointed an editorial subcommittee to design and manage the process in an efficient manner and to formally select the authors to be invited.
|
From page 3... ...
The title of this volume, Bridge Builders: African Experiences with Informatior~ and Communication Technology, is meant to describe the active role these authors have played in introducing new information technologies into their institutions. Their personal accounts will illustrate the steps they are taking to bridge the gap between the "information haves" and the "information have-nots" and to build bridges between their countries and the worldwide movements related to the global information infrastructure (GII)
|
From page 4... ...
Shortly after that, the Conference of African Ministers responsible for Economic and Social Development and Planning passed a resolution entitled Building Africa s Information Highway, which called for the establishment of a high-level working group on information technologies and communications in Africa made up of African technical experts. Under the leadership of the Pan African Development Information System (PADIS)
|
From page 5... ...
Finally, of special interest to Africa, is the authorization of the Leland Initiative, or the Africa Global Information Infrastructure Gateway Project. This is a $15 million cross-cutting project managed by the U.S.
|
From page 6... ...
Xavier Carelse discusses the equipment needed and lays out a logical progression for upgrades; Albina Kasango talks about training and personal commitment; Agnes Katama discusses the steps taken to create a sustainable DTP unit and gives some creative examples of internship, or attachment, programs; and Alex Tindimubona discusses peer review systems and other aspects of a highquality, scientific press. Some of the lessons learned bv the desktop publishing authors include: Training of the DTP operator took unexpected time and resources.
|
From page 7... ...
Indeed, access to networks and digital libraries may well be as important to economic and social well-being in the Information Age as access to trade routes and natural resources was in the Agricultural and Industrial Ages. 2 Building and sustaining electronic networks in Africa has been challenging but, as the next five case study authors prove, it is possible.
|
From page 8... ...
Collection, Management, and Dissemination of Local Information Resources The final four case study authors focus less on a specific technology and more on developing local information resources and services for a specific group of people. Ermias Dagne describes how a group of scientists interested in natural products research has formed its own network in order to convene professional meetings, sponsor special training opportunities, and publish journals and conference proceedings.
|
From page 9... ...
. national STI network building; electronic network development; library collection or services development; document delivery schemes; cooperative database development; standardization efforts; marketing of information services; implementing cost-recovery schemes; operating STI projects on a sustainable basis; training programs for information technologies and services; introduction or application of information technologies; collection and description of locally-produced information; or scientific communication or publishing.
|
From page 10... ...
Science and Technology Information Systems and Services in Africa: Report of a Wo~`shop Held in Nairobi, April 19-22, 19S9. National Academy Press, Washington, D.C.
|
Key Terms
This material may be derived from roughly machine-read images, and so is provided only to facilitate research.
More
information on Chapter Skim is available.