Setting up a bibliographic data base from national inventory of scientific and technical literature. The CIDST experience in Madagascar

Abstract

Since 1986, the Ministry of Scientific and Technological Research for Development (MRSTD), through its Information Service, CIDST, has been involved in an extensive programme to inventory the scientific and technical literature available in Madagascar. Its aim is to provide a better service for research. The work undertaken was made possible through government funding and a French grant. Almost 50 000 documentary units were located and identified at some 20 sites, mostly in the capital city. The data base currently contains 14 000 references which can be consulted in local mode at CIDST. This article describes the approach taken by MRSTD-CIDST and the difficulties encountered during the project's separate operational phases. It emphasizes that, in order to achieve full control of the resources, the active participation of all the information units involved is desirable. To that end, Malagasy librarians and documentalists will need basic training and libraries will have to be re-organized before any further inventories are undertaken.