21 pages, Online via UI Library subscription., Author described a series of CD-ROMs containing many of the publications that the agricultural extension agents use when assisting the public. Included information about development and design of the CD-ROMs, assessed their impact on extension agents and librarians, and offered recommendations for future enhancements of the disk design.
Online via subject term search of UI Library Catalog., Describes effort of the Louisiana State University Libraries to use electronic document delivery to facilitate the integration of access and ownership. Included results of two pilot studies.
Abstract and citation available online via EbscoHost.com. 1 page., Introduces the UNESCO Public Library Manifesto, serving as the gateway to equitable information services to all.
Abstract and citation available by open access via Ebscohost.com., Article focuses on the role of university libraries in serving rural communities in China.
Abstract and citation available online via Ebscohost.com. 1 page., Describes how the nation is striving to harness new information technologies for development while stressing stability in the political realm. Includes the resources and role of university libraries in supporting outreach to meet the information needs in towns and rural areas of China.
Journal article identified Via online topical search. Open access., Authors report a case example that illustrates how academic libraries and librarians "are primed to lead universities toward a fuller inclusion of community partners in academic research" through their unique expertise. The "research sprint" partnership involved experiences of the Gullah-Geechee community - the descendants of Africans who were enslaved along the east coast of the United States.
18 pages., This article reports on findings of a study that was conducted to establish the information needs of women subsistence or smallholder farmers and the various information sources they consulted to resolve their information needs. The study was qualitative,and a grounded theory design was used. Focus group interviews and observation were used to collect data from 14 women crop farmers and three women livestock keepers.The farmer-to-farmer extension (FFE) model was adopted to understand theinformation-seeking behaviours of women farmers and how they can be improved, if need be. The findings revealed that while the women crop farmers needed help with seeds, soil treatment and the protection of crops from pests and stray animals,they needed more information on drought preparedness and management, and,on how to transform from subsistence to commercial farming. Women livestock keepers needed information on livestock feeds, the treatment of various ailments, and disaster preparedness and management. In addition, they needed the reintegration of the extension officer.It also transpired that local libraries were not responding to the information needs of farmers.The main source of information was oral communication. The use of radio, television, cell phones and extension officers was limited.This study echoes other studies which propose it is important that libraries, non-government organisations (NGOs) and extension officers respond to the information needs of smallholder farmers, especially women.
