Current developments in library cooperation among special libraries in Botswana

Abstract

Library consortia and formal resource sharing though commonplace in some parts of the world, are not developed in Botswana. Librarians have operated on informal networks in the facilitation of resources sharing especially in the form of Interlibrary Loans (ILL). One group of librarians are advocating for the formation of a nationwide library consortium to overcome cost of licensing fee for electronic databases. Librarians working for special libraries in Gaborone. the capital city of Botswana are planning to form a consortium for special libraries. Their vision is to develop a full text database of information produced in Botswana in the subject areas that the libraries represent. It is hoped that more special libraries will join in and that the database will be a base for a national full text database that will help narrow the digital divide between the global North and South. The database will also preserve national indigenous information and ease its accessibility. Challenges facing the group include lack of funds and lack of expertise. A proposal will be drafted to source funds from donors and external expertise will be sought.