Abstract
M.Bibl. (Information Science)
Difficulties in satisfying the information needs of the engineer operating in the developing world led to a requirement to determine through research what information technologies are available and
now they might be implemented to meet these needs,
A growing recognition by engineers operating in the developing world of the importance of
information and information sources for economic and social development fuels their need for
engineering information. The information explosion s problems of scatter, diversity, volume and
cost are very real in the developing world and are exaggerated by the prevailing economic, social,
political and cultural conditions in developing countries.
A literature study established the most striking characteristics of developing countries and special
attention was given to Africa and Botswana. Factors hampering the developing world in gaining
access to information and become part of the world "information economy" was identified.
A literature study was also conducted to establish what information technology was available world
wide, what has already been tried and tested, and which information technologies have the potential
to be introduced in developing countries.
It was found that despite the problems and obstacles which exist when introducing IT to developing
countries, scientific and technological information services cannot get by without the use of IT.
Certain information technologies such as CD-ROM, which seems to be promising in providing
access to bibliographic and full text materials, need to be introduced. The use of information
technology could also be successful to assist in educating people in developing countries about the
importance and benefits of information systems for survival by providing easy access to coping and
helping information as well as enriching and edifying information.
An empirical study by structured interview was carried out on a representative sample of consulting
engineers working in Botswana. Their information needs, access to engineering information
sources and IT availability were establish.
Evaluation of the responses to the structured interview reveal that engineers in Botswana are quite
a diverse group, but that they could be grouped together by virtue of certain common
characteristics such as place of work, civil engineering disciplines, membership of professional
organisations, country in which engineering qualification was obtained and home language.