PANEL ON INFORMATION INFRASTRUCTURE - INTERNATIONAL SCENE
GETTING THE NEW DEMOCRATIC SOUTH AFRICA TO THE GLOBAL INFORMATION COMMUNITY*
Marinus Swanepoel
Director Library Services
Gold Fields Technobib
Technikon Pretoria
Pretoria 0001, Republic of South Africa
marinus@libmain.techpta.ac.za
INTRODUCTION
It is generally held that South Africa has the contrastive features of the First and Third World societies within its borders. This is easily appreciated by its impres-sive technological and industrial base and the ultra-modern amenities that charac-terize its urban areas on the one hand, and the absence of economic opportunities and modern amenities in the rural areas, black "townships" and squatter camps where its majority, predominantly non-literate, racial groups live. (IFLA, 1993, p. 8)
South Africa's recent history has resulted in professional isolation of its libra-rians, who have not been able to learn from the experience of other countries with comparable problems. (For example, the difficulties of providing a reasonable service in sparsely populated rural areas are not confined to South Africa, but the lack of contact with colleagues from other countries with similar problems has not encouraged innovative solutions).
It is important, however, to understand what has happened in South Africa, because the transition that has taken place has changed it. The change took place in a country where making use of a third party was the only way to obtain certain periodical titles and, who's business is sought after.
THE NATURE OF TRANSITION IN SOUTH AFRICA
South Africa is still undergoing a major transition in its economic, political and social life. The need for the transition is acknowledged by almost everyone. Living it though will be the most important task in the life of any South African over 20 years of age.
Societies undergo transitions of governance in a wide variety of ways: through civil wars, military coups, economic collapse brought on by drought and famine, and many others.
However, in recent times, only a small number of countries have been able to negotiate a transition in governance. At present, South Africa is a successful example from this small group. That is one reason why the whole world is so interested in what is happening there.
PHASES OF A NEGOTIATED TRANSITION
Three phases of negotiated transition have been identified by studying over 40 cases of attempted transitions to democracy since the end of World War II in 1945. It must be stressed that the three phases were identified after the transitions had taken place and been studied. They were not in the minds of those working toward transition, or can these phases be predicted.
Phase 1: Liberalization
The three steps involved in this phase are:
• converting a polarized and confrontational climate into one in which cons-tituency-based politics can be conducted within the framework of rational discussion;
• seeking a consensus on the issues that are prerequisites for negotiation to begin, such as terms of reference and management of the transition process.
Phase 2: Democratization
This is a process whereby groups previously excluded from "social transactions" are increasingly involved in policymaking.
Democratization operates on three levels:
• the social level, democratization of nongovernmental organizations and institutions in civil society in general. This includes representative profes-sional organizations. In this regard it is worth mentioning that the biggest Library Information Science (LIS) association, the South African Institute for Library and Information Science (SAILIS), has made moves to be more accommodating to LIS workers from less advantaged communities;
• the economic level, democratization of the process of allocation of state funds and the introduction of new economic policies designed to improve the business environment and to create the economic growth required for a successful transition.
Political democratization of central and provincial government in South Africa began with the General Election in April 1994. It is being continued through negotiations at local government level, with elections for this level planned in 1995.
Social democratization is a current and ongoing process that directly involves labor, business, NGOs (Non Governmental Organizations), forums, and other institutions in civil society. Professional and other interest groups and associations must democratize internally to remain relevant during this period.
Economic democratization is also an ongoing process. The key problem here is whether the goods and services people want can be provided to them, and whether this can be done by reallocating/generating resources without harmfully increasing public expenditure.
During this phase constitutional, electoral and institutional means are created to establish and help to maintain a democratic system of government.
There is a growing sense of tolerance in civil society, and a prosperous, uni-fied social/political/economic environment brings a period of stable democratic rule. In South Africa this will be achieved (if it is) during the first 20 years of the 21st Century.
SOME IMPLICATIONS OF TRANSITION FOR INFORMATION WORKERS
Work and professional relationships
The Reconstruction and Development Programme (RDP) argues that the need for improving information flow in society as an informed citizenry is better equipped to participate in the transition process. This reconceptualization of information work as a central process in reconstruction and development provides one of the most exciting professional challenges ever facing information workers. However, the infrastructure needed to achieve this receives no attention worth mentioning up to this point in time.
Within structures and associations
Just as information workers need to acquire a sense of new responsibilities and professional challenges in their "individual" capacity, so their organizations must rethink their missions from within and realize their capacity to influence change. The formulation of vision and mission statements are thus a common topic for discussion between LIS colleagues.
International acceptability
Since the democratic elections, South African librarians experienced an opening up of international opportunities and an acceptability among their international colleagues. This also means that new technological advances are more readily available to the South African information worker.
THE REORIENTATION OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY IN SOUTH AFRICA
The information sphere has been undergoing major changes at an international level over the past few years. These include technological innovations as well as a shift in understanding of the nature of information, and hence of information work. As a result, information has come to assume a far more prominent status in international consciousness. Information technology has been praised for its role in allowing us to soar with thoughts and ideas that were previously trapped by more inhibiting systems and processes.
The vital role of information in decision-making processes is appreciated by an increasing number of players, ranging from big business, labor, and govern-ment to grassroots community organizations. It is increasingly understood that information is a valuable resource that enables people to make informed deci-sions and to participate more fully in shaping their environments. Technolo-gically, there has been no concerted effort to improve the flow of information by participating in the Internet.
Information is power
All these developments highlight the validity of the ancient principle that infor-mation is a form of power. This conceptualization of information has certain implications. Among these are the shift from the notion of the neutrality of infor-mation toward a view of its role in advancing ideologies, systems, and programs. Of further significance is the commercialization of information as an attempt to control its free flow. This means nothing other than the fact that brokers sell information for profit and that information is censored for political or "moral" reasons to uphold certain systems and beliefs and to ward off others. We need to understand these realities and to capitalize on the advances in information tech-nology to bring more information to more people quicker.
It is meaningful that the vision of global villages and information highways is not only about extending the geographical scope and speed of information deli-very. The information age is also concerned with using information to improve the overall quality of life. This raises a dominant argument within the "value of information" paradigm, namely, that information is integrally related to develop-ment. For instance, the RDP argues that in order for a society to advance, it requires an informed government citizenry.
Information and development
This understanding of the link between information and development is further enriched by an integration of the education and information spheres. Interna-tionally, education methodology is embracing the information technology field to promote interactive learning.
The information age will need information workers who understand their purpose in relation to what is happening around them. In the context of the challenges facing our country, information agencies spear-head individual development-orientated initiatives. These in turn link into provincial and na-tional programs. In this way, LIS can ensure that it participates in and contri-butes to nation-building. This requires that information workers orient them-selves to the challenges of the day and shape their services in accordance with these demands.
THE NIT AGENDA
The information reflected in this agenda is not my own. The outline, as it was received from the NIT Chairperson, was sent to various bodies for their input. (See appendix A for a list of those to whom it was sent.)
The Global Information Infrastructure Needed From A South African Viewpoint
South Africa needs a global information infrastructure that includes the following points:
• There should be access to bulletin boards and e-mail.
• An affordable infrastructure is a requirement.
• The infrastructure should be standardized, both internally and externally, that is, it should comply to ISO standards.
• Our needs are dichotomous - on the one hand, we need fast, efficient first-world infrastructure with computers and super highways; on the other hand, we need basic information channels like a radio that runs on batteries or solar power (first and third world).
• We need an infrastructure that is easy to maintain and that requires a mini-mum of training.
• The infrastructure should be flexible and adaptable to changing needs and increased sophisticated needs.
• The Internet should be expanded to include all major libraries.
• Libraries should give smaller libraries in their communities access to the Internet (i.e., by means of LAN). (The Community Library Information Services (COLIS) action committee is working on a strategic plan to introduce New information Technology (NIT) for use by disadvantaged communities in South Africa. The subcommittees charged with this task is the Network and Technology and Oral Culture and Libraries subcommit-tee.)
• Using already existing infrastructures and expanding from there (e.g., Free State schools that serve as both school and public library in small towns).
• Eliciting funding from the private as well as the public sector.
• Changing the long-standing lack of trust, coordination, and cooperation
between the numerous different institutions concerned with the provision
of library services in South Africa.
The following provide funding for information-related activities:
• UNINET (University and Academic Network) - Foundation for Research Development funding
• A portion of the education budget at the provincial or central government level
• Self-generated funds (acting as a information broker)
• Funds from industry and commerce
• Funds from aid programs from first world countries
The following are a list of current technological trends in South Africa:
• Increased realization of the need for truly cooperative networking for more efficient and effective access to information for all
• CD-ROM technologies
• Downsizing
• Proliferation of LAN and WAN
• Establishment of cooperative systems
• Installation of OPACS in virtually all major libraries and are also increas-ingly installed, or at least considered, for small libraries such as school libraries.
• Interlibrary loans and document delivery via electronic network
• Internet/email
• More service providers such as Worldnet Gateway.
This section lists problems South Africa is experiencing within its information sector. The list is divided into problem areas.
First World - Third World
• There is disparity in LIS provision in the country.
• The country has dichotomous needs.
• The priorities of the RDP tends to favor basic needs such as housing
and primary health care, not library and information services.
• Centrally placed infrastructures and services are inaccessible to a vast majority of the population.
• A lack of infrastructure such as electricity, or telecommunication, especially in historically disadvantaged communities, will make the use of the envi-sage multimedia computing impossible.
• An overall (national) policy and action program is needed.
• There are sharp divisions among professional bodies.
• The infrastructure should be managed by one authority.
• Lack of resources or funds seems to be the major inhibiting factor. It is recognized that South Africa's current economic situation simply does not permit the enormous expenditure necessary to raise standards of provision for the black population to an acceptable level. This is unlikely to improve in the short term.
• There is a lack of political influence. Library services traditionally lack the political muscle to lobby effectively at the highest level.
• Computer skills of LIS workers are lacking.
• The global information infrastructure is in English, which is a barrier.
• Government agencies in South Africa are inaccessible.
• Quality control is needed on national databases.
• Response time on Internet during peak hours is necessary.
• Education and training in various fields including technology
• Building an infrastructure
• A strategic plan and national policy for library and information service provision in the context of a national information plan
• Greater communication among information providers and the coordination of efforts and existing resources at state, provincial, municipal, and commu-nity levels to prevent the waste of resources.
• Appropriate education that addresses the particular needs of the communi-ties where LIS facilities hardly exist and high-tech education that is needed for the competitive job market in urban areas
• Public access to public-owned information
• Appropriate technology for information reconstruction and development programs
• A LIS development program that meets the needs of the nation and makes more equitable distribution possible
• Compatible information systems
• Expanding access to library and information services to a wider spectrum of the population, particularly in the rural areas (Larger libraries as well as universities and technikons who have been major beneficiaries in the past, should use their Internet facilities to help achieve this; they should be fully involved in their communities.)
• Accommodation of the increasing number of users on the electronic com-munication systems.
From the feedback obtained one can see that the LIS community in South Africa is prepared to do something about the new and challenging situation in their country. The refrain of cooperation and utilization of existing resources indicates a commitment on the part of LIS workers. A lack of reliance on foreign aid adds to this in the sense that they know the closest helping hand is at the end of their own arms. It does seem however that they do not realize the full potential of the help to be obtained by making use of NIT. In this I see a facilitating role for an international body or consultant.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Lee, R. (1994). Library and information services as part of South Africa's transition to Democracy. Key note address to the 1994 SAILIS conference.
African National Congress. (1994). The reconstruction and development
pro-gramme: A policy framework. Johannesburg: Author.
LIST OF PEOPLE TO WHOM THE NIT OUTLINE Was SENT*
2. Prof. J. H. Viljoen, director library services, University of Stellenbosch, and president of the South African Institute for Library and Information Services.
3. Dr. P. Lor, director State Library.
*4. Prof. P. A. van Brakel, Head: Department of Information Studies, Rand Afrikaans University
5. Mr. T. A. Lubbe, director Library and Museum Services of the Province of the Orange Free State.
6. Prof. M. Vermeulen, Head Department of Library Science, University of Zoeloeland.
7. Mrs. J. Henning, Director Library Services, Technikon South Africa.
8. Dr. D. Haag, Director Library Services, Vaal Triangle Technikon.
*9. Mr. J. van der Klashorst, Director Library Services, Technikon Witwatersrand.
10. Me M. Mathibe, active member of the African Library
Association
DISCUSSIONS
[David Penniman]
Marinus. I want to thank you. There is something in those slides for everyone.
[Marinus Swanepoel]
I think so. There have been mentions of our role in an African context, even before we had our first democratic elections. Our first priority beyond our own country would be to help develop Africa. We are devoted to the development of Africa at large, so we can play a role. We do provide access for the libraries in neighboring countries to the Internet.
[M. Wali]
Of course your presentation has given a very good overview on the South African scene and also partially on Africa and developing countries. I have two proposals specifically with respect to the region as a whole. Mostly, foreign languages left behind have been adapted by the nation. For example, Nigeria has over 230 different languages. So it is impossible to adopt one language as the national language. The nation decided to adopt English, for example, for com-munications, education; for business, it will have considerable difficulties. There are other communication difficulties in the region. For example, if South Africa has organized an international conference, I have no way to go to there directly. I shall have to go to London, and from there to South Africa.
[Marinus Swanepoel]
I would like to respond to Mr. Wali's response about the language question. In South Africa, we are committed to deliver documents to people in the language of his or her mother tongue. One can also choose to receive an education in his or her mother tongue. About the traveling, yes, it is very difficult. In South Africa, for example, sometimes it takes a longer time period to receive postal service either from Pretoria to Johannesburg than mail from foreign countries.
[Lisbeth Levey]
As we look at South Africa, its emerging democracy, and the role it can play regionally, it is not just what South Africa can offer its neighboring countries, but what South Africa can receive from other countries in the region as well. Just to give you one example, South Africa is interested in setting up a rural health care information network, and the Kaiser Foundation in the United States funded a group to go to Zambia, Kenya, and Zimbabwe to look at health information networks in those countries, because they have been particularly successful and they can be models for South Africa.
[Richard Quandt]
I just want to ask a question which perhaps cannot be answered easily. If you consider a particular situation, say the university libraries, can you illustrate the scales of the difference between the traditionally black universities and white universities as regards their library systems, for example?
[Marinus Swanepoel]
There is quite a difference between the haves and have-nots. To some extent, the have-nots are having the advantages now because of foreign aid.
[M. Wali]
We have different kinds of have-nots. Our system is like the old British system, because formerly we were a British colony. Right from 1914, the country was amalgamated as one nation until 1960. Then there was a transition to change after that from a colonial system to a democratically elected system. Within five to six years, the books, which used to be imported from the mother country, began to be irrelevant to the new curriculum. Gradually, books become more and more scarce. Since there is no publishing industry developed in the country, we now have the situation where the universities and research institutions are focus-ing in areas of national developmental interests without data. There is very little interest in the colonial past, even it is of our own country's history. Which means that no one is publishing books or research reports on the activities. Whatever is available elsewhere is difficult to get, with no attempts to get them. So, this is the crisis of the poverty of the intellectual resources.
[David Penniman]
Thank you. One more comment and we will move on.
[Lisbeth Levey]
In relation to Dr. Quandt's question in relation to South Africa. We co-organized a workshop in 1993 with the University of Zimbabwe, and we had participants from five historically black South African universities. This was a workshop on strategic planning, but we were talking about survival strategies. We asked the librarians of each university to give us some information on the equipment they have in their libraries -- CD-ROMs, drives, computers, serials, and so forth. If you look at their capability, it is less than at the historically white universities in South Africa, although it is better than at many universities in other parts of Africa. In addition to that, some of those historically black South African universities are just beginning to come on to the Internet. So they are really trying to catch up and make up for lost time quite drastically. They are going to be further hindered because there is much less money in the pot to go around these days. I do have statistics here to share with all of you.
[David Penniman]
Thank you.
[Marinus Swanepoel]
I quite agree with that.
[David Penniman]
Thank you Marinus. Our next speaker will be Helena
Slezákuvá. She is with the Institute of Agricultural and
Food Information of the Czech Republic, and is spending a few month at
the NAL. Helena.