CHALLENGES OF ELECTRONIC INFORMATION RESOURCES IN ACADEMIC AND RESEARCH LIBRARIES: NEED FOR A POLICY

Abstract

This paper discusses the role of policy for proper and efficient library services in the electronic era. It points out some of the possible dangers of embarking in electronic resources without a proper focus at hand. Thus, it calls for today's librarians and policy makers to brainstorm and come up with working policies suitable to Africa's social, economic and ICT infrastructure framework. New approaches in acquisition, accessing, selection, preservation and choices on whether to operate digital, or combine traditional print and digital resources in the library have to be worked out and adopted. Therefore, policies, which articulate libraries' vision and mission, are important for proper electronic information resources assimilation in the libraries.

University of Dar es Salaam Library Journal Vol.5(2) 2003: 17-24