ABSTRACT:

ABSTRACT

The paper discusses the basic levels of technology transfer, which can play in the development of Information Institutions in Sudan. Information Institutions consist mainly of academic libraries, public libraries, documentation and information centers and National Records Office.  It stresses that development information can only be guaranteed when libraries in Sudan are powered by electricity, computerize their systems, form networks for resource sharing and take advantage of the numerous benefits of IT, especially microfiche, microcomputers such as CDS/ISIS based library based system, CD-ROM and the digital technologies. An in-depth review of the information technology management of Sudanese Information Institution and libraries was made and this was found to be very unfavourable. Problems found to be inhibiting IT application by Sudan Information Institutions and libraries include inadequate funding and appreciation compounded by lack of strategic planning, undeveloped information and communication infrastructure, unqualified and computer illiterate manpower, and lack of standardizations and cooperation in their systems. Despite the bottlenecks, Sudan libraries have the challenges to efficiently and effectively manage information technology in order to facilitate technology transfer, support teaching, learning and research, sustenance of electronic publishing and project Sudan's achievements and potentials to the rest of the world for mutual benefits. Considering the improved economy, better provision of information infrastructure and progress already made in IT application and networking in Sudan supported by manpower development, it was established that the chances of Sudanese libraries to automate their services in this era are very bright. The paper concludes that both Sudan and the rest of the world need mutually beneficial information from each other. The challenges, therefore for taking positive steps to promote modern information technology management in the new millennium is not only for Sudanese libraries but also for the world at large.

1. INTRODUCTION:

Information is the fifth factor of production that is by no means inferior to land, labour, capital and the entrepreneur. In fact, Brandin and Harrison (1987) observe "information wealth is now a new type of capital described as knowledge capital". In the same vein, Drucker (1969) alerted us to the systematic and purposeful acquisition of information rather than science and technology is emerging as the new foundation for work, productivity and effort throughout the world. In what sounds like a confirmation of Drucker's prediction, Bergdahl (1989) posits that information has become such a precious resource that the fate of modern nations in all essentials is connected with their capacity to develop and exploit it.  El Naeimi Tia and El Rabei (1998) predict that in future, Arab countries that do not develop this capacity will be left behind in the cultural, scientific and economic development. Apart from suffering from dependence on others, such countries will neither be partners in the global production of information nor will they contribute meaningfully to the common future of civilization. Bergdahl's future is already here.

Perhaps, it is such considerations as the need to share information resources between the information rich and the information poor across cultures for mutual benefits. According to Pejiova and Kavcic-Coiic (1974), "improved performance, better quality, competitiveness, environmental protection, rationalization, better deployment of resources and almost all other contemporary management and technologies issues today call for better handling and more efficient utilization of information This Study discusses intensively the challenges and opportunities, which are considered as basic levels of Technology transfer in Sudanese Libraries and Information Institutions.