Provides an overview of factual data banks and full text files available on optical data disks. Each entry in the directory includes the name of the data bank or file; producer; distributor; frequency of updates; period covered; subscription price; and a summary of the contents. Addresses of producers and distributors are provided. (CLB)

Provides an overview of 50 bibliographic databases and library cataloging services currently available on CD-ROM. Entries include the name of the database; producer; frequency of updates; period covered; number of items included; subscription price; and a summary of the contents. Addresses of producers are also provided. (MES)

Reviews the scope and nature of aid for information and library development and analyzes contributions of bilateral and multilateral aid agencies and nongovernmental agencies. Forms of library aid are discussed, including consultancy, book and periodical donations, gifts of furniture, equipment and buildings, and provision of education and…

Reviews the implementation of an experimental project in the Pan American Health Organization to disseminate health related information via CD-ROM in Latin America and the Caribbean, and compares the costs and relative advantages of information delivery using online retrieval systems and CD-ROM systems in developing countries. (four references)…

Outlines the application of information technology in 13 of Thailand's academic libraries. Problems of implementation, budgets, specific applications and benefits, and future plans are discussed. (EA)

Describes and illustrates the main characteristics and methods of data collection and analysis used in compiling the National Register of Current Research, a major element of the Unesco pilot project initiated in the Sudan for the creation of an information service on research in progress. Eight sources are given. (EJS)

Discusses the use of microcomputers as a first step toward library automation in developing countries, and describes microcomputer projects in Trinidad and Tobago to illustrate factors that need to be considered. These factors include hardware selection, installation and maintenance, hardware appropriateness, output requirements, software, the…

Examines the difficulties faced by the implementors of information dissemination systems in developing nations and explores the possible use of optical data disk technologies to overcome them. A pilot project of the Pan American Health Organization for the production of a CD-ROM containing bibliographic references on public health is described.…

National efforts and the British Council have contributed to Malaysian library development, but patterns of public library administration and levels of provision, service, and use vary considerably. Basic problems include lack of books in national language and poorly developed reading habits. Future development proposals include cooperation with…

Describes a survey of the use of newspaper libraries by journalists in India that was conducted to determine why journalists use their library, how they use the information they obtain, types of reading materials they use, other sources of information, and whether library collections are meeting journalists' needs. (LRW)

Discusses information development in Portugal since the early 1980s. Topics include public libraries; the national bibliographic database; training; software; access to online databases; CD-ROMs; and Portuguese participation in information projects of the European Community. (AEF)

Reviews the problems of implementing information technology in developing countries and cites examples from African projects. The use of CD-ROM for access to information is examined, and experiences at the King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals in Saudi Arabia in introducing CD-ROM search services are described. (Contains five references.)…

Describes recent progress in China in the publication of scientific and technical journals and the computerization of information services; assesses the output of scientific and technical papers and the extent to which they are indexed by foreign bibliographical sources; and describes plans for computer-based library and information systems.…

Describes the activities of a program designed to ensure cohesive development of UNESCO's work in the areas of scientific and technical information, documentation, libraries, and archives. The discussion covers the aims and objectives of the program, activities in various geographic areas, and an evaluation of the program. (CLB)