The use and sustainability of information technology (IT) in academic and research libraries in Tanzania.

The main purpose of this study was to investigate the current status of information technology (IT) and strategies which academic and research libraries in Tanzania can adopt in order to facilitate the sustainability of information technology which has been acquiredthrough external donor assistance.The motivation for undertaking the study emanated from the researcher's long working experience of twelve years in a university library.Through this experience it has been observed that many of the donor-funded or supported information projects like the introduction of information technology in libraries, thrive well and offer good information services when donor support is still available.However, once the donor project or donor support comes to an end very few of these have been able to continue delivering the intended information services and products.What this implies, is that very little is known by both donors and recipient libraries alike about factors or strategies which can affect the future sustainability of such donor-funded information projects in libraries.The study assumed that if information technology is effectively sustained it would reduce the vulnerable dependence of libraries on donor funding and support, and in turn facilitate effective local planning and development of the technology and related information services which responded to the needs of the library clientele.Eighteen libraries possessing and using some form of information technology were studied.The survey research method comprised the questionnaire; interview schedule and observation through visits as data and information gathering instruments was used in the investigation.Its selection was determined by the under-researched nature of the problem.Data and information generated by the instruments was content analyzed and formally presented by the use of descriptive statistics.The major findings of the study revealed that despite donor support to libraries, the status of information technology reflected early stages of its introduction in almost all the libraries.No all-round IT infrastructural development existed.Shortages or non-availability of various IT equipment and accessories resulted in differences in the quantity of the technology possessed by each of the libraries studied.Consequently, effective use of the technology was individuals and institutions.I would therefore like to express my sincere gratitude to the following: The Swedish Agency for Research Cooperation with Developing countries (SAREC-Sweden) which through the University of Dar-es-Salaam, financially supported my studies.The University of Dar-es-Salaam granting me four-years paid leave.I also extend many thanks to my main supervisor Professor Andrew M. Kaniki for his untiring academic guidance, inspiration and constructive comments during the entire course of this study.Not forgotten are the entire staff of the Department of Information Studies, who in different ways have encouraged and helped me in my work.