Electronic communication : possibilities for Africa

Abstract

There are few veterinary libraries or information centres in sub-Saharan Africa, on average one or two per country. This scarcity makes co-operation all the more vital. For successful co-operation, effective communication structures are essential. Steps that libraries can take to promote electronic communication in order to render a more effective information service to their clients are described, namely. • The use of the Internet listservs such as VET-LIB-L for communication of information between libraries; • The use of non-university networks such as SANGONET and HealthLink; • Making university networks such as the University of Pretoria's ROMINFO available far non-university persons, via dial-in facilities; • The creation of electronic forum facilities; and • The roles of UNINET, SUNSITE and MISANET in Africa. A starter list of contact details of currently available online veterinary faculties, libraries and institutions at Southern Africa is provided.