TITLE:

THE IMPACT OF NCR-DIC READINESS IN REALIZING

 SUDAN DIGITAL LIBRARY

 

Paper prepared for:

Workshop on Digital Libraries, 14 –18 December 2002, Khartoum, Sudan, by Sudan British Council with collaboration with Documentation and Information Centre of National Centre for Research and Sudatel Training Centre

     

By Rafaa Ashmallah Ghobrial§

 

1. BACKGROUND:

1. BACKGROUND:

      In the early pasts, Sudanese special libraries were small collections of books and manuscripts owned by religious leaders and tribal chiefs. They consulted them for information on different social, economic, political, and religious matters. At the beginning of 1990s, Libraries with small collections of books were established in schools and for British senior administrators and officers. Science Libraries (special libraries) were also established to support research in Wellcome Chemical Research Laboratories, the Stack Medical Research Laboratories, and Agricultural Research Library and also in some of ministries and other government bodies in the Country respectively. 

  The Documentation and Information Centre [NCR-DIC]  (formerly National Documentation Centre) as part of the National Research Centre (formerly National Research Council) and designated as national documentation center for legal deposit to support research, development planning, decision-making and projects monitoring and evaluation. It is one of the institutions that serve as national depository of knowledge and information. It can also play important role in disseminating information and organization activities that create user awareness and understanding important national concerns.     

    NCR-DIC started its activities by creating a specialized library with assistance from United Nations to provide information services and Government sponsored research.  And this is marked initial step for establishing a National Information System. Since 1978, NCR-DIC has assumed this function and carried out surveys of the Information Infrastructure In Sudan under UNESCO, FORD FOUNDATION, IDRC, UNEP, CTA sponsorship and etc.

2. NCR-DIC OBJECTIVES:

 

 

2. NCR-DIC OBJECTIVES

1.     To make relevant information available to researchers, students, investors  etc. in the various fields of knowledge all over the country.

2.      To contribute towards formulating and developing a national documentation   service and information system to the benefit of Sudan and other countries.

3.      To set up national nodes and encourage use of existing mechanism for  accessing and exchanging information.

4.     To improve provision of equipment and facilities to the documentation centres, coupled with staff training to ensure their effective use

5.       To organize symposia, seminars, workshops etc. for the mutual exchange of experience by Librarians, documentalists and information Scientists in different institutions.

6.        To institutionalize information functions within the national development  system so as to ensure that the information services are sustainable together with development projects and plans.

 

 

 

3.NCR-DIC RESOURCES:

3.NCR-DIC RESOURCES

3.1 HUMAN RESOURCES:

3.1    HUMAN RESOURCES:

QUALIFICATION	SPECIALIZATION	POST Rank	NO	REMARKS
PH.D in Agricultural Sciences	Soil Science	Assistant Professor Researcher	1	Director
M. SC in Information Science	Information Systems and Technology	Researcher	2	- Head of Computerized Documentation Section - Head of Information Services and Systems
M. Sc. In Library and Information Sciences	Library and Information Science	Researcher	1	- Head of Acquisition Section
Higher Diploma in Information Technologies	Information Technology	Technician*	1
Higher Diploma in Library and Information Sciences	Library and Information Science	Chief Technician*	2	-Head of Main Library Section
		Technician*	6
		Assistant Technician*	1
B. A. in Library and Information and Library Sciences	Library and Information Science	Chief Technician*	1
		Technician*	1
		Assistant Technician*	5
B. Sc. In Agricultural Sciences	Plant Protection	Assistant Researcher	1
	Biochemistry	Technician**	1
		Assistant Technician**	1

* = Librarian       ** = Scientific Documentalist    Also supported By Temporary staff  According to capcity of the work

3.2 PHYSCIAL RESOURCES:

3.2 PHYSCIAL RESOURCES:

 

Library Resources

v    Foreign Collections

          40,030    Books

         17,000   Monographs

600          Periodicals

v    Sudan Collections 

 

Documents in Paper forms= 19,382

Documents in Fiche form = 4500 (99% produced internally)

 

 

Computer Laboratory: 15 computers  & their accessories (10 of them used  in LAN); Scanner

 Microfiche  Laboratory

 

 

3.3 FINANIAL RESOURCES:

3.3 FINANIAL RESOURCES:

NCR-DIC is included in the NCR administrative and finance structures. NCR-DIC Budget (2002) can be explained as follows

-Chapter one is budget of staff salaries

-Chapter two is operational and support research budget is about 1,600,000 Sudanese Dinner  per annum i.e. depends on the amounts which are released from Ministry of Fincance.

-Chapter three is development budget for maintenance and building infrastructures

-Support from Ministry of Science and Technology (Parent Body) for NCR-DIC Publications and Training programs about 1,400,000 Sudanese Dinner

- Foreign support from IGAD for two Sudanese candidates for M.SC degree in Information Sciences in Addis Ababa University, CTA for Publications and CD-ROM databases, INFOTERRA for Publications in Paper and Electronic form and Databases, UN organizations etc…..

4.NCR-DIC SECTIONS:

 

 

4.NCR-DIC SECTIONS:

Since its establishment NCR administration has realized the important role of NCR-DIC in supporting research and proclaimed its restructuring in 1991,1997,1998 and 2002 years respectively and resulting in the following sections:     

a.      NCR-DIC Library

b.     Acquisition

c.     Computerized Documentation

d.     Information Services Systems

 

5. NCR –DIC CLIENTS:

5. NCR –DIC CLIENTS

NCR-DIC has recognized that it is essential to determine who the clients are and what are their needs. This type of assessment carried annually so as to keep abreast of current needs. From the analysis of information requests of 2002, so the clients can be grouped into the following categories:

 

2%                  Decision makers, consultants, Top mangers

34%                Researcher, Academics and Specialists

62%                University students mainly postgraduates

2%                corporate sector employee and pressure groups

 

Information needs of clients may be classified according to substance

 

28%                Agricultural Sciences

7%                  Engineering / Technology/Industry/Energy

12%                Mathematics & natural science  &    Environment

20%                Medical Sciences

33%                Social Sciences & Humanities

 

Users tend to request information from the following sources:

 

51%                National databases (Sudan collection)

47%                International database available on CD-ROM and Internet

1%                  Library resources

1%                  referral services

 

 It is noticeable there is great tendency to use of the databases and specially the national collections. i.e. high preference of electronic forms; support  Postgraduates students, which are considered as big consumers of information extracted from databases that means that databases supports for Higher Education  and specially circulation of foreign currency is so restricted for subscribing documents i.e. periodicals

 

6. NCR-DIC SYSTEMS:

6. NCR-DIC SYSTEMS

     There has been a number of events and activities, which have enabled Sudan to make some progress towards developing national documentation and information system (NDIS) involving the consideration of libraries, documentation centers and other information centers. These events from 1974 onwards  have resulted and contributed in the development of the following:

ACTVITIES OR SYSTEMS		OBJECTIVES	GENERAL INFORMATION	OUT PUT AND REMARKS
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT COLLECTIONS		-Support research and development projects - Satisfy  the need of users -Develop library policies, the structure and procedures for acquisitions and technical processing -Enhance information culture	-Identify, locate and acquire documents through purchase or donation or exchange -Use AARC2 Cataloguing and DDC classification whereas  in Sudan collection use UDC classification scheme - Allow circulation only for Researchers of National Centre for Researches excluding Sudan Collection and Periodicals -Issue Quarterly Accession bulletin for New Publications	Established at 1974 -NCR-DIC Library (R&D Library) -Sudan Collection not circulated that due to limited number of copies. -All the users who benefits from Sudan collections through official letters from their institutions. -Accession Bulletin for New Publications
ABSTRACTING SYSTEM		-Identifies, abstracts, and indexes studies and research paper s of relevance to Sudan currently published or presented at conferences or accepted for high degrees by scientists in Sudan or aboard -Disseminates Scientific and technical, social and economic findings related to Sudan	- Gathers original or primary material - Identifies nature of material -Uses Bibliographic description according to established standard -Prepares indicative or informative abstract -Prepares subject, author, geographic indexes -Arranges entries according  to UDC subject headings alphabetically by the author’s name - Issues Sudan Science Abstracts (Biannual Journal)	Established at 1979   Sudan Science Abstracts (SSA) (26 volumes)
ON-GOING RESEARCH SYSTEM		-Identifies current researches, active sources of expertise among researchers -Facilitates communication among researchers, managers of research and Funding agencies	-Collects data through questionnaire from all governmental, educational and research, non-governmental, regional and international organizations working in Sudan as well from embassies -Surveys ongoing research for definite period - Analyzes questionnaire -Classifies research subjects using UDC - Uses free indexing to build subject index as well the indexes of researchers, organization, funding organization, etc… - Lists the addresses of research and funding organization - Analyzes statistically for type of research, fields of Knowledge, distribution in the institutions as well in Sudan region -Arranges entries by class number - Issues National Register for Ongoing Research (Two-yearly inventory)	Established at 1982 National Register for Current Researches (NRCR) (Three volumes,1983-1989). But it stopped during 1991-1998 for two years, is due to:        -not appreciated from        NCR administration          -weak response of  researchers,, research institutions and universities          -little number of NCR-DIC staff          -follow up the questionnaire more than four times   Now the fourth volume under final revision
NATIONAL SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNOLOGICAL SYSTEM		-Reinforces NCR-DIC in order to enable NCR to fulfill its role as national and coordinating body for Science and Technology in the Country - Mandates to devise and establish a national information Network	-Improves the Technical Structures -Implements Microfiche and Computer Unit -Strengthens acquisition and technical processing of national collections -Designs and maintains integrated national databases	Established at 1988 -Availability of Sudan Collection in paper and fiche forms -Online Catalogue (machine readable form) -  SSA & NRCR Publications subjected to the Laws of Sudan Journalism and Press .
CD-ROM DATABASES SYSTEM		-Facilitates and improves the availability and accessibility of scientific information -Deals with the global databases on CD-ROM	-  Considered as useful and reliable sources of scientific and technical support for information	Established at 1990 AGRIS, AGRIGOLA, POPLINE, CAB ABSTRACTS, ERIC, MEDLINE
SPECIALIZED BIBLIOGRAPHIES		-Serves as conduit for sharing, disseminating and using information in support of R&D projects in different phases	-Identifies information sources and searches national and international databases - Downloads the selected information -Merges from both national databases in CDS/ISIS as well from international Databases available on CD-ROM into the specialized bibliographic databases.	Established at 1993 _ Malaria Bibliography (unpublished) -Water Resources in Sudan List (unpublished) -Bibliography of Sudanese Medicinal plants (1999) - Records of Researchers  of National Centre For Research (1999) - Records of Researchers of  Ministry of Science and Technology (Started in 2002 at Stage  of data Collection)
INTERNET SYSTEM		-Catalyzes the information services and communication among researchers internally and externally -Builds research and information capacities	-Searches the universal collections -Enrolls online conferences	Established at 1997 Online information services, publications and training
UNION CATALOGUES FOR PERIODICALS IN SUDANESE LIBRARIES		-Facilitates Periodical acquisition and consequently national cooperation among Sudanese Libraries - Enhances better periodical delivery policies in the country -Provides a cost effective necessary - Helps in accessing to original full texts which are searched in the online bibliographical databases	- Holds orientation meetings of Sudanese Librarians -Collects data about periodical collections using special format from Sudanese Library includes: -         Periodical title -         Publishers -         Language -         Holding issues -         Missing issues -         Incomplete Issues -         Library -Designs database using CDS/ISIS and enters the data -Follows up - Analyzes statistically - Prints and issues the catalogue	Established at 1997 Updated Union Catalogues for Periodicals in Sudanese Libraries (under final revision) -Periodicals database
ONLINE SUDAN DISSERTATIONS		-Facilitates accessibility and retrieval of  information   -reviews the possibility of archiving dissertations and university level theses in an electronic format either in addition to or instead of the usual paper editions	-photocopies the title  and abstract  pages   and its inclusion of their information  in  National Bibliographic Database - setups the bases of digital storage and Long-term use of electronic documents can be warranted only for as long as the storage format allows access	Established at 2002 AT stage of Data collection and Processing

 

 

7. NCR-DIC and TECHNOLOGY:

7. NCR-DIC and TECHNOLOGY

NCR-DIC designed the National Documentation and Information System, which is a repository for Sudanese documents   based on the following technologies.

7.1 MIROFICHE:

7.1 MIROFICHE:

NCR-DIC set up Microfiche in 1990 with funding from the International Development Research Centre (IDRC) of Canada. The aim was to facilitate the acquisition of documents related to Sudan, which cannot be easily obtained in hard copy. These include government document, theses, existing special library Collections of older documents now out of print, and the documents from Libraries outside Khartoum such as Gezira.  Its system fits into the computerized cataloguing system very easily through the microfiche accessioning system. Each document on the fiche is given an accession number and this is added to the Catalogue record on the computer when the document is catalogued.  If an online search identifies references on the fiche can be retrieved from the Storage cabinet by using the accession number, as the fiches are stored in accession number sequence

7.2 MICROCOMPUTERS:

7.2 MICROCOMPUTERS

7.2.a CDS/ISIS-BASED LIBRARY SYSTEM

7.2.a CDS/ISIS-BASED LIBRARY SYSTEM

Micro CDS/ISIS is advanced non-numerical information storage and retrieval software developed by UNESCO since 1985. CDS/ISIS is an integrated and Multilanguage package offering all the basic features demanded for a database management system including: database definition; data entry; indexing; retrieval; printing, some utilities; database management and data exchange

CDS/ISIS has become the software of choice for the developing world, but it also enjoys extensive use in Canada, Australia, and Western European countries. Cuba, Vietnam, and China have also used and developed the software for their national libraries and archives. Some of Library institutions of UNSECO members have succeeded in encountering CDS/ISIS databases on the Web.

This paper describes the development of a microcomputer-based system using the Micro CDS/ISIS (English and Arabic versions). It comprises the application interfaces for creating a machine-readable catalogue and for information retrieval. The CDS/ISIS software is distributed free to libraries and information centers all over the world by UNESCO in Sudan, Documentation and Information Centre formerly National Documentation Centre) coordinates the distribution of the software and provides training on it. CDS/ISIS has wide application as an indexing tool but its flexibility has extended its use to library automation applications like cataloguing and information retrieval. This is because CDS/ISIS comes with a built-in subset of the Pascal language that allows local customization and development of user applications and interfaces. Many such customized applications have been reported in the literature (Ghobrial, 1992). Some good interfaces have also been developed to complement the information retrieval capability in CDS/ISIS.

NCR-DIC system developed allows libraries to create machine-readable catalogue based on the standard Common Communication Format (CCF). It is complemented with the information retrieval interface, which has full search and retrieval functions, including keyword searching. The electronic catalogue created form the resource database that can be used to teach and give hands-on experience on on-line information retrieval.

7.2. b. CONVERSION UTILITY:

7.2. b. CONVERSION UTILITY

    Conversion of record formats of other databases, which are either on CD-ROM or floppy disks to NCR-DIC databases, which is accomplished through conversion programs. Such type of conversion is very limited as compared to keying  from keyboard including data elements not available in the imported databases. Generally conversion of original records can be made to suit NCR-DIC database format, which is ISO 2709.

    Where as in commercial non-bibliographic databases, such as Access, FoxPro, and DBASE, the fields are defined to some fixed-length, with no sub-fields or repeatable fields. Which is why they are so unsuitable to bibliographic work where there may be many authors, sub-fields, and fields who length cannot be determined before hand. CDS/ISIS is designed for bibliographic record keeping with great flexibility in database design. The only thing that I found missing were templates to pick fields from that match major international standards, such as, US MARC and ISO-2709. Currently, you need to know before hand what Tag numbers to assign and how to name the corresponding field for the desired standard. You can, however, reformat your data in an import or export operation to match a desired standard.

 

7.2.c The Windows Version:

7.2.c The Windows Version

The development of the Windows version was the result of a strategic development policy decision aiming at maintaining the leading role CDS/ISIS has played and is still playing on the international scene, which resulted:

·        In the complete rewriting of the software in C++, in order to provide a common standardized language for all the versions (MS-DOS, WINDOWS, and UNIX), thus reducing maintenance costs;

·        In the adoption of a multi-platform software development system in order to increase the level of portability to different hardware and operating systems (covering therefore a whole range of computers from stand alone PC's to powerful mini-computers);

·        In the implementation of a client-server architecture using market-standard interfaces.

7.2.d Compatibility between the DOS and Windows versions:

7.2.d Compatibility between the DOS and Windows versions
No conversion is needed when moving from CDS/ISIS DOS to CDS/ISIS for Windows. However, formatting language functions are just 95% compatible. In some cases you may find some syntax errors appearing: you may have to adapt your display format to the new one. In terms of search engine, the two versions are totally compatible: both can use the same I/F (inverted file). The data entry worksheet is also compatible but the screens will appear different.

  CDS/ISIS for Windows (WinIsis) is 100% compatible with all Windows Operating Systems

7.2.e CDS/ISIS Application Development Tools:

7.2.e  CDS/ISIS Application Development Tools

The Windows version of CDS/ISIS can also be used as a platform for developing simple applications using its powerful formatting language. New commands for handling nice presentations are now available as well as hypertext capabilities

7.2.f.Internet tools:

7.2.f.  Internet tools

A number of tools for making CDS/ISIS databases on the Internet are available. Some of the tools are distributed free-of-charge and available for downloading e.g.

·        JavaISIS 3.0 Client/Server suite for CDS/ISIS databases (UNESCO) databases on the Internet. It provides its clients with advanced remote database management functions such as: browse, query, data entry, export and print.

·        The WWWISIS server, versions 3 and 4

·        ISIAM, publication on NT servers - free (built with ISIS_DLL)

 

 

8. NCR-DIC ELECTRONIC NETWORKING:

8. NCR-DIC ELECTRONIC NETWORKING

 

With the help of information networks, it is possible to transmit different types of service to different audiences via a single channel. This also makes possible the improved provision of education and other services to small target groups and special audiences. Through increased cooperation and by exploiting the potential of technology, regional equality can be enhanced and the opportunities for individuals to acquire information can be improved. More effective use of resources will be possible.

In Sudan society, electronic communication and information networks handle huge amounts of information, which is continuously being updated. In this flood of information citizens need to be independent, critical and analytical in their acquisition, use and production of information. Increasingly, the problem is to locate relevant material in the mass of data available.

         

Network building is a function of national development. In Sudan we need to:

 

·        Adopt our national information policy ;

·         Facilitate the dialogue between communication operators and the library and documentation community to use existing  and improving telecommunication infrastructure for information exchange.

 

In addition to the Documentation & Library community all users in the country including non-governmental organizations, extension centres, the United Nations and other international and national organization with day-to-day information needs, will benefit from the national electronic link.

 

Accordingly NCR-DIC plans to link electronically at three levels, which are:

·                    Institutional level i.e. NCR units as well as Ministry of Science and Technology level where the Research Community (under survey)

·        National level which includes the libraries & Documentation Centres in Sudan (under survey)

·        Regional level/International levels such as Project of Strengthening Library and Information Services in IGAD States funded by 75% Netherlands Government in which  NCR-DIC (National Information Node of IGAD) can link externally with IGAD Secretariat Information Nucleus and  IGAD States, internally with Libraries in government bodies and universities based on IGAD

 

In this paper, I will discuss information network at institutional level.  NCR-DIC surveyed the NCR facilities and resources, which are equipment, software, human resources, and means of communications during the period from August - November 1999 and supported by another survey in May –June 2002. The results of this survey showed the following:

 

1. Equipment

·        NCR consists of 14 units: 9 units in the NCR Headquarters while 4 units are far from the NCR-DIC distance around 1-16 Kilometers

·        Computers and their accessories for the network

·        Internet connectivity to the Internet using the dialup system

 

2. Software

WINDOWS 95, 97, 98; SPSS; CORELL, FOXPRO, ADOPE, CDS/ISIS AND HTML WRITER

 

3. Human resources

 trained on computers with medium qualification in word processing and basics and some packages whereas qualified personnel in Software related to documentation and Information services

4. Suggestions

 include networking, training and maintenance of Equipment's,  and security programs

 

     NCR-DIC also consults the internal specialists from the Sudanet, Sudatel, Khartoum University, Sudan University of Science and Technology, National Council for Telecommunications, and the dealers of computer companies, for means of communication, training courses, and estimated costs to run network with skilled personnel. So Data Cloud is recommended for discharging the network function smoothly. It suggests that one or two researchers form each unit to Training for trainee course to provide NCR-DIC with their processed information.

 

9. NCR-DIC READINESS:

9. NCR-DIC READINESS

This assessment will clarify that NCR-DIC readiness and ability to make a national digital library as reality  with emphasis on:

·        Financial capacity and degree of financial accountability;

·        Staff motivation and preparedness;

·        Administrative support is expected from Ministry of Science and Technology as part of its strategy in the coming three years;

·        Appropriateness of collections, which are valuable and available in Sudan collections as comments of our clients specially decision makers,  Library and Information consultants  and visitors;

·        Existing technical infrastructure and ability to acquire new technical infrastructure

·        Acquired experience  will definitely help in the adoption of technologies in NDIS will result in adoption of digitization projects.

·        NCR is Fully fledged institute and has project management and strategic planning capacities (reference to NCR annual reports and Literature)

·        NCR-DIC acts as national focal points for regional/international information/global information systems as well as bilateral /international cooperation, and has previous experience success in fund raising.

·        NCR-DIC can benefit partly of current projects with external funding such as SLDS, RIIS, and AFRICALINK etc.

·        Facilities for readiness and sustainability

 

10. CURRENT BARRIERS TO BUILD DIGITAL LIBRARIES:

10. CURRENT BARRIERS TO BUILD DIGITAL LIBRARIES

 

Most of libraries supporting research and development in the country will not able viable programs in the absence of the effective collaborative structures. While diverse with regard to missions and means, they face shared barriers including:

·        Severe financial constraints compounded by lack of strategic planning. i.e. national information policy

·        Inadequate facilities infrastructure (i.e. electricity, buildings etc.)

·        Need for Staff training opportunities and adequate training on technologies related to libraries facilities

·        Harsh environmental conditions damaging collections and accelerating equipment depreciation such as natural disasters

·        Inadequate salaries and difficult working conditions

11. CONCLUSION:

 

 

11. CONCLUSION:

 

    It is concluded NCR-DIC Sudan collection should lay the cornerstone for a national digital library. A contract with publishers has to be signed which provides access to electronic publications in the library, but not extended access. The national digital library, like a traditional library, will consist of collections and a readiness to serve, either centrally in the NCR-DIC through establishing the new multimedia reading room, which will be managed for this issue or, later, across the entire country, linked by a network. This will require NCR-DIC to collaborate with other libraries to develop new co-operative cataloguing processes with a digital database to promote greater accessibility.

     In summary, only through co-operation between  research institutions and libraries will it be possible and affordable to achieve this national task. This means a joint venture in which available skilled personnel; and facilities  and financial resources are fully utilized. Having a digital collection available on an electronic network means an enormous expansion of the services, which libraries can offer. Now an new era is beginning, in which it will be possible to make the entire collection accessible everywhere. However, this development comes at some cost. It is clear that NCR-DIC cannot pay for these tasks from its existing budgets. So UN organizations, professional associations and assistance foundations are called upon to make appropriate funding available so that information may remain affordable.

12. REFERENCES:

 

12. REFERENCES

Bassit, Ahmed A. (1988). Experiences of North  African Countries in Formulating National Information Policies. In Regional Seminar on National Information and Informatics in Africa, held in Addis Ababa 28 Nov- 1^st Dec.

 

Centre for Strategic Studies (1998).  Sudanese Strategic Report, Khartoum, Sudan, 1998.

 

Creasy, J. C. (1983).  Development of National Register of Research: the Democratic Republic of Sudan Report. Paris: UNSECO.

 

Documentation and Information Centre. Brochure (.(Updated Oct. 2002).

 

Ghobrial, Rafaa Ashamallah (1991). QUICK and MTHES: Pascal Interface fro Micro CDS/ISS. (Unpublished), Addis Ababa : School of Information Studies for Africa

 

Ghobrial, Rafaa Ashamallah (1992). Evaluation of Information products And services of the Documentation and Information Centre, Khartoum, Sudan. M.Sc., Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia, 183p.

 

Ghobrial, Rafaa Ashmallah. 1998. Approaches to the introduction of the Internet in Information Centres at Sudan Research Institutions: case of Documentation & Information Centre [In Arabic].  In: The 9th Arabic Federation for Libraries and Information Conference on Arabic Strategy in Electronic Communication Era [In Arabic], 21-31 Oct. 1998, / Damascus, Syria

 

Ghobrial, Rafaa Ashamallah (1999)          Facilitating Information Dissemination in the Sudan: case of three information Centre. In:  Regional Integrated Information Systems of IGAD states: Strategy Development Workshop, 25-30 July 1999, Jinga, Uganda.

 

Ghobrial, Rafaa Ashamallah (1999). Evaluation of the role of Information Technologies in Sudanese Scientific Information Services: case of Documentation & Information Centre (in Arabic). In: the 10^th conference of Arab Federation for Libraries and Information on Electronic Libraries,

Publishing and Information Technology Services in Arab countries. 7-12 October 1999, Napel, Tunisia.

 

 Ghobrial, Rafaa Ashamallah (2000).        Status of Library  & Information Systems of Sudan. In: Strengthening Library and Documentation Services within the IGAD Mandate in member States Project Planning Seminar, 31 July to 6 August 2000, IGAD Secretariat Djibouti

 

Ghobrial, Rafaa Ashamallah (2002).

Role of Higher Education, Technology and Employee Planning in Development of LIS in Sudan (in Arabic). In: Workshop on LIS curriculum in the Arab countries, IFLA/ALP/Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon 4-6 June 2002

 

HTTP://WWW. UNESCO.ORG/WEBWORLD/ISIS