Library’s Role in Overcoming Barriers to Information Flow in East African Community

Abstract

A growing body of research and writing on international flow of information claims that access to information reduces social inequity. The growing application of modern ICTs in the generation, presentation, transfer and use of information in society with a widening technology gap between developed and developing world calls for fresh thinking and re-thinking to further universal access. This paper will address the role of the library in facilitating cross-border information transfer in the context of a developing region. A social process audit of the library activities around the world affirms the increasing role of the library in the flow of information both locally and internationally. The absence of a national information policy, weak information infrastructure, multi-linguistic society, limited collaboration, cooperation and highly dynamic cultural society are some of the factors that affect cross-border information flow and if addressed are necessary steps towards unimpeded creation, use and flow of information internationally.