National Information Policy Research Articles

Towards Quality Culture in the Digital Environ: Management and Optimization of Services in Research Libraries of India

AbstractNational Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) has been established in India for ensuring quality and excellence in higher education and has developed a set of objective indicators for the library, as it is the fulcrum of support for the community of academic and research pursuits. This resulted a general consensus for rising demands of evaluation and accountability of academic and research libraries to develop performance evaluation and measure service quality and thereby build quality culture. Advancements in Information and Communication technology, transforming the world into the global village, contributed significant scope for development of electronic information resources and Internet resources in the Library for continuous quality improvement. Library and information centers needs to map the information needs of the customers; well‐defined quality policy and Quality Circle and translating into quality information services, by making use of various Information Technology based information retrieval tools. The quality gurus especially Parasuraman, Barry, and Zeithaml have developed the SERVQUAL to measure the quality dimension in the academic and research environ to measure the perceptions of service quality.In view of the emerging challenges for building quality culture in the techno‐environ, a total of 1200 questionnaires were distributed to the user community in Indian research libraries to go deeper into the realm of Quality Assessment and Use Techniques with a sincere effort to assess the performance of academic and research libraries in rendering their quality services to the users both from Librarians and users perceptions. Further, attempts were made to develop an instrument of acceptance of Internet technology known as Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) among faculty and Research scholars in India using the original constructs i.e. Perceived and Perceived Ease of Use. In this paper, efforts were also made to examine the relationship between the variables Use of Internet (UOI) and Level of Satisfaction (LOS), that resulted in coming out with a mathematical – regression model in which the results of Regression analysis shows that, the four variables age, teaching and research experience and level of satisfaction put together explains 39 per cent of variance in variable Use of Internet (UOI).The paper concludes based on research findings, valuable suggestions to develop a National Information Policy for quality control as a mandatory to provide due importance in establishing Library and Information Centers as Centers of Learning and research. Of necessity, the strategies must be situation specific, but some possible strategies for libraries to use are identified for planned organizational change to quality improvement.

Information technology policy formulation in Nigeria: Answers without questions

Nigeria developed a national policy for information technology (IT), which is a general policy for the development of IT (or more broadly, information and communication technologies (ICTs)) in Nigeria. It was formulated by the Federal Ministry of Science and Technology and published in March 2001. The policy represents the perceptions of the Federal Government of Nigeria of what ICTs are, what they do and can do, how they can be developed and applied, and the time frame within which to achieve ICT capability in Nigeria. This paper analyzes the Nigerian national information policy for IT and the process of its formulation within this context. It concludes that many of the specific questions raised in the discussion were not considered in the policy formulation process under discussion. The questions, or at least most of them, raised in this discussion remain valid and continue to beg for answers, irrespective of any success or failure that may be attributed to the existence or operation of the policy.

Information technology policy formulation in Nigeria: Answers without questions

Nigeria developed a national policy for information technology (IT), which is a general policy for the development of IT (or more broadly, information and communication technologies (ICTs)) in Nigeria. It was formulated by the Federal Ministry of Science and Technology and published in March 2001. The policy represents the perceptions of the Federal Government of Nigeria of what ICTs are, what they do and can do, how they can be developed and applied, and the time frame within which to achieve ICT capability in Nigeria. This paper analyzes the Nigerian national information policy for IT and the process of its formulation within this context. It concludes that many of the specific questions raised in the discussion were not considered in the policy formulation process under discussion. The questions, or at least most of them, raised in this discussion remain valid and continue to beg for answers, irrespective of any success or failure that may be attributed to the existence or operation of the policy.

The challenges of utilizing information communication technologies (ICTs) for the small‐scale farmers in Zambia

PurposeThis paper attempts to discuss some of the key challenges that Zambia faces in the application of information communication technologies (ICTs) for the small‐scale farmers.Design/methodology/approachA survey of information needs of small‐scale farmers in two selected provinces was carried out in order to establish and prioritize their information needs. Evaluation of the existing information infrastructure provided insights into the type of ICTs that can support the provision of information to small‐scale farmers in Zambia.FindingsThe paper highlights some of the salient findings of the research carried out under the African Technology Policy Studies (ATPS), Zambian Chapter and financed by the International Development Research Foundation (IDRC) from 2001 to 2003. These, among others, include: weak human capital and technical infrastructure, lack of clear national information policy and lack of a coordinated agricultural information support system for small‐scale farmers anchored on ICTs.Research limitations/implicationsThis study illustrates that it is becoming increasingly evident that the success of any agricultural development programme in Zambia requires a well‐organized and functionally integrated information delivery system propelled by the application of appropriate ICTs. The paper presents recommendations for this to be realized.Originality/valueThe changes in the socio‐economic and political arena in Zambia have had a drastic effect on the management of the agriculture sector. Further, even though it is widely acknowledged that information plays an important role in agricultural and rural development in Zambia, this conception has received less pragmatic attention and seems to have been less consolidated over time. The central role of information in this sector has thus been largely superficial. The need for a clear national policy framework on the use of ICTs for the small‐scale farmers to enhance national development is thus articulated in this paper.

Developing a national information policy—considerations for developing countries

Information and information technology developments are influencing the economies of many countries. Information needs to be made available and accessible in countries for industrial, educational and governmental purposes. Information is also an asset of unpredictable value. For these reasons, governments should acknowledge and value the relevance of such information, and therefore address it through national policies. Many countries have developed national information policies which reflect the values that governments attach to the access to and the availability of information in their countries. The most important influences on the development of a national information policy are based on the country's socio-political circumstances. Developing countries are advised to focus attention in their national information policies on aspects concerning socio-economic development, the application of information and access to information.

Developing a national information policy—considerations for developing countries

Information and information technology developments are influencing the economies of many countries. Information needs to be made available and accessible in countries for industrial, educational and governmental purposes. Information is also an asset of unpredictable value. For these reasons, governments should acknowledge and value the relevance of such information, and therefore address it through national policies. Many countries have developed national information policies which reflect the values that governments attach to the access to and the availability of information in their countries. The most important influences on the development of a national information policy are based on the country's socio-political circumstances. Developing countries are advised to focus attention in their national information policies on aspects concerning socio-economic development, the application of information and access to information.

Lebanese television archives

Technological advances in the information and communication industry have changed many other sectors as well. Written, visual or oral, digital information is transmitted instantly, distributed around the world, stored, examined and sold. It thus acquires a commercial value that overlaps with the historical value of the information, which is a part of the collective memory of a country. This paper examines the information archives of Lebanese television stations from a technical and an intellectual point of view and discusses how they treat news and other television programmes and whether television information is considered a commercial product. It is argued that it is evident that an institution concerned with public interest (as opposed to commercial interests) looks after the conservation of the national patrimony and the collective memory, by forming a legal deposit system and respecting the authors' rights. Such an attitude could play a role in the frame of a national information policy.

Constraints on the Formulation and Implementation of National Information Policy for Nigeria

The problems hindering the formulation of a viable information policy for Nigeria are discussed. They include, among others, the unstable nature of the country’s economic, social and political environment, weak and uncoordinated information professional bodies and oral tradition reinforced by high illiteracy rates. The chaotic information environment in Nigeria is also highlighted. The paper advocates that a committee of information experts be set up, that the government re-evaluates economic and monetary policies and that professional associations and institutions should make concerted efforts towards championing the cause of a national information policy.

The Past, Present, and Future of Information Policy

The profile of information policy in academic and policy-making circles has been rising in recent decades, a function, presumably, of the expansion of an ‘information society’. Nevertheless, there is widespread confusion over its meaning and purpose. This paper seeks to produce a clearer picture, building on useful groundwork in information science and other disciplines. The history of information policy is traced, featuring exposition of the pioneering contribution of Marc Porat in the 1970s. The present state of information policy is then described, with particular reference to some salient themes of current literature: issue inventories (i.e. the scope of information policy); academic identity (including a critique of attempts to appropriate information policy for one discipline); and the ideal – or, it is argued, illusion – of a ‘national information policy’. In the final section of the paper, some suggestions are made for the future direction of information policy. First, information policy should engage much more thoroughly with the tradition of political philosophy. Second, information policy may benefit from more forays into the field of futures studies. Finally, it is proposed that information policy could be positioned as a subset of the interdisciplinary specialism of information society studies, in which case its definition might be resolved in terms of the ‘normative theory of the information society’

National Information Policy developments worldwide IV: copyright, Freedom of Information and data protection

This paper reviews recent developments in three areas of law that affect National Information Policies - copyright, Freedom of Information, and data protection. In the case of copyright, the roles of international agencies such as WIPO and the World Trade Organization, and of the European Union only are considered. These are the bodies that have most influence on developments in the law of copyright worldwide. In the case of the other legal areas, significant developments in major countries in the world are considered. The problems caused by the differences between the USA and the EU approaches to data protection are highlighted, and examples of good practice in Freedom of Information and data protection legislation are highlighted.

National Information Policy developments worldwide IV: copyright, Freedom of Information and data protection

This paper reviews recent developments in three areas of law that affect National Information Policies - copyright, Freedom of Information, and data protection. In the case of copyright, the roles of international agencies such as WIPO and the World Trade Organization, and of the European Union only are considered. These are the bodies that have most influence on developments in the law of copyright worldwide. In the case of the other legal areas, significant developments in major countries in the world are considered. The problems caused by the differences between the USA and the EU approaches to data protection are highlighted, and examples of good practice in Freedom of Information and data protection legislation are highlighted.

National Information Policy developments worldwide III: e-commerce

National Information Policy developments worldwide III: e-commerce

National Information Policy developments worldwide III: e-commerce

This paper reviews recent initiatives undertaken in a number of countries by governments to encourage e-commerce within their countries. Developments in Australia, Canada, the European Union and its Member States, New Zealand, Singapore, South Africa and the USA are reviewed. There is a particular emphasis on e-commerce laws, taxation issues, cryptography and consumer protection. The Australian and New Zealand approach of ensuring as many stakeholder groups as possible is particularly noteworthy. The EU’s approach is one of dynamic leadership. It is emphasized that individual national governments are less important, however, than developments made at a multinational level.

Factors hampering the formulation of a national information policy in Kenya

The importance of a national information policy to a developing country is explained and the factors hindering its development in Kenya are discussed. These factors relate to poor recognition of the importance of information, funding shortages, weak infrastructure, lack of qualified manpower, information illiteracy and lack of commitment within the information profession.

National Information Policy developments worldwide II: universal access - addressing the digital divide

Universal access refers to that part of a National Information Policy that attempts to ensure equal access to information for all, irrespective of location, financial resources or disabilities. This paper describes the results of a desk-based literature survey on recent developments in national information policies in this area. It considers the question of the digital divide, and the various approaches taken by governments in addressing the problems. It particularly notes the honesty with which the USA has described its problems, and the vigorous efforts it is making to address the problems.

National Information Policy developments worldwide II: universal access, addressing the digital divide

National Information Policy developments worldwide II: universal access, addressing the digital divide

National Information Policy developments worldwide I: electronic government

A review of recent Government initiatives in the area of e-Government based upon a review of the literature is presented. The desk research covered the period 1997 to 2001, and covered a number of major countries, including Canada, USA, Member States of the European Union, South Africa, Hong Kong, Australia and New Zealand. The UK was not included in the survey. The targets set by Government are often vague, and few governments seem to have addressed in any thoughtful manner the problems citizens might have with use of technology. An approach along the lines of ‘this is bound to happen’ rather than ‘what sort of society do we really want?’ is a common feature amongst all the approaches examined. The risks of enhancing the digital divide are also rarely explicitly addressed. Comments regarding good initiatives that offer models for other countries to adopt are made. The emergence of government portals is without doubt the most significant development. These provide the facility for personalization by the user. The New Zealand Government’s efforts to ensure that its web sites are useful for citizens who have difficulty spelling and the Canadian Government’s use of minority languages are also noteworthy. The leading countries are Australia, New Zealand, USA and Canada. The Australian Government’s e-procurement strategy is a role model for the future.

National Information Policy developments worldwide I: electronic government

National Information Policy developments worldwide I: electronic government

Do We Need Fresh Thinking on National Information Policy?

Do We Need Fresh Thinking on National Information Policy?

Experimenting with Institutional Arrangements for Communications Policy and Regulation: The Case of Telecommunications and Broadcasting in South Africa

This paper examines the shifting institutional arrangements in South Africai?½s telecommunications and broadcasting sectors as it seeks to deal with national transformation at the same time as the relentless economic and technical changes to the sector being driven at a global level. These include the convergence of traditionally distinct forms of communication resulting from the digitalisation of technologies and the privatisation and liberalisation of traditional monopoly services. The author locates the changing institutional arrangements in this sector in the context of the struggle by government to transform decision-making and institutional arrangements. The tensions inherent in this process are not clear-cut, consistent or even clearly visible but impact in complex and cross-cutting ways on the policy framework and arising institutional arrangements.The paper then periodises institutional arrangements in the broadcasting and telecommunications sectors into four overlapping phases: the pre-transition phase up to 1993; the reform phase up to 1997; the implementation phase which begins in 1994 in broadcasting and 1997 in telecommunications and the review phase which begins with broadcasting in 1998 and in telecommunications in 2001. Although the institutional flux has often been attributed to forward looking policy it is argued that the perpetual reorganisation of the sector also reflects large scale institutional failure. It is argued however that this cannot be placed solely at the door of the various new regulatory institutions. Perhaps one of the most critical factors to undermine the various regulatory institutions has been the lack of resources. The lack of skilled human capital has allowed all three regulators to be out-regulated by the industry and the lack of financial capital has rendered them in effectual both in defending their actions and fulfilling their mandate. The dearth of these have taken their toll on the ability of the regulator to be credible and one can only conclude reflects the covert desire of the industry and state for them not to be entirely effectual. Finally, the paper argues that until there is an integrated and holistic national information and communication policy, driven from the Presidents Office, various policy proposals impacting on ICT development in the country emanating from different portfolios will continue to be contradictory, inconsistent and ultimately damaging to the vision of South Africa as a regional ICT hub and a major contributor to the African Renaissance.