Public Access Centres in Uganda: The Past, Present and Future
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Date
Authors
Sulah, Ndaula
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Technology & Social Change Group, University of Washington Information School
Abstract
The paper is based on the findings of Public access study conducted in Uganda as part of the
broader study in 24 countries. It summarizes the methodology of the research, bringing out key
findings with success factors and recommendations. It describes the country overview detailing
its geography, political and geographic divisions, and demographic factors providing conclusions
on the effects of each on Public Access. It provides a broader shape of the Public Access venues
and centres in the country before focusing on the three main venues that target disadvantaged
societies. It strategically examines Public Access venues from three angles; access, capacity and
environment, which formed the framework of the study. The venues assessed include;
community libraries, public libraries and multipurpose Community telecentre. The paper
provides key recommendations, strategic areas for investment and direction for future research. It
also highlights perceptions and changing media landscape especially with the introduction of
ICTs.
Description
This research focuses on the public access to information and communication landscapes in 24 countries, with
specific focus on public libraries, to understand the information needs of underserved communities, public
access to information and communication venues, and the role of ICT. Through field research in 24 countries
conducted by local research partners, and cross-country comparative analyses based on common research
design elements (see list of countries and research design overview in Appendix), the project aims to
contribute to the knowledge in the field of information and ICT for development. Of particular interest and
value are: the comparative look at key venues (libraries and other), and the mix of depth of in-country
knowledge with breadth of global comparison to elicit success factors and scenarios to understand how diverse
populations can and do access and use ICT to improve their lives. All outputs of this research will be broadly
disseminated to interested stakeholders and placed in the public domain.
Citation
Ndaula, S. (2008). Public access to information & ICTs: Uganda. Public Access Landscape Study final report, presented to University of Washington Center for Information & Society (CIS), Seattle.