A Micro-isis Based Information System for Supporting Research in the Institute for African Studies, University of Zambia.
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Date
1995-05
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
The Institute for African studies (IAS) is an interdisciplinary research unit in the University
of Zambia. However, it operates as an independent entity. The Institute undertakes research
in the social sciences and the current emphasis is on economic development of the country.
A study has been conducted to find out the existing information facilities of the Information
and Documentation Unit (IDU) of IAS and also the information needs of the research
workers. This study was conducted with a view to proposing a computer-based information
system to support research activities at the Institute. The results of the study show that: (a)
users are not satisfied with the information services offered; (b) most of the information
sources available are outdated; (c) users are not satisfied with the subject descriptors used;
(d) users find it difficult to locate and retrieve documents from the collection; and (e) poor
staffmg. Therefore, a MicroIsis-based information system that will operate in a Local Area
Network is proposed. The system in the long run is to be connected to the Wide Area
Networks within the country and to the global networks to enable it provide efficient
information services. Two prototype databases have been created, (BIAS and FIAS). BIAS
database is an integration of bibliographic records of monographs, analytic part from
monographs/ collections, and analytic part from serial; and profiles of projects, institutions,
experts, and information systems. FIAS is a specialised database containing records on
factual information about the exchange rate of the Zambian Kwacha to the US dollar, and
about the informal sector. A user interface based on simple menus has been developed to
assist users in searching the databases. The system can be implemented after the necessary
hardware and software are acquired, additional information professionals are recruited and
available professionals are trained to manage the information system. Recommendations
have been made for implementation and further improvement of the system
Description
Keywords
information System