Internet and research in Gulu University: the role of Library and Information Services Raphael Aregu E -mail: website: A paper presented at the research workshop at the Faculty of Medicine, Gulu University, 4-6 th March, 2008.

Presenation Format Theoretical discussion  ICT and research  research  ICT  Set strategies  Achievements  General Constraits Practical position  Mr. Patrick Alfred Ongwen

Introduction Knowledge generation and application, key to a research based organisation Becomes key factor in sustainable development and human transformation, (Tanvir, 2007)‏ Re-formating knowledge very crucial to it's effective utilisation, (World Bank, 2003)‏

Library Vision and Mission: Vision: “ be a leading agent in rural transformation and conservation of biodiversity by being a comprehensive information and data bank provider by 2010; mission: “to generate and provide access to a wide and relevant information suitable for the attainment of the overall University goals”

Set Strategies Connect the Library to the Internet. Establish the LAN/WAN and to interlink Library Systems/services Establish OPACs and relevant databases Develop the Library's website, and Increased access to electronic resources.

Some outputs so far Provide up to date information resources by accessing popular research journals Provide quality learning space and environment, Creating metadata. (Bibliographic control of documents). Offering virtual reference services. Teaching information literacy

Some outputs so far cont... Choosing resources and managing resource licenses. Collecting and digitizing archival materials. Maintaining digital repositories. Providing free research alerts in different areas of research

Current Access methods Direct access to abstracts, citations and full text articles; [subscribed or open access] acquisition of a variety of CD-ROMS Electronic document delivery, [courtesy of the British Library]

Challenges Limited Bandwidth: slow download speeds, timing of users etc Lack of connected computers (currently nine). Unstable IP range. Need to authenticate users by username and password. Unstable power & unreliable power backup. Low levels of computer and ICT literacy among all categories of users.

Challenges cont... User perceptions/ resistance to change. Lack of update hardware, PCs and related facilities and equipments. Funding limitations Inadequate staff and skills among the available staff. Copyrights, this limits access to the very vital resources, such as ScienceDirect among others.

Challenges cont... Lack of University-wide LAN, WAN and backbone.  Pilot testing OPAC at Mail server at: Website:  Thank you,