A report focusing on journal access and availability in Africa has recently been released. The study was commissioned by Arcadia and undertaken by the Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU) in conjunction with the University of Nairobi, the University of Malawi (Chancellor College), the University of Dar es Salaam, and the National University of Rwanda.
The report reveals that researchers in east and southern African universities are still hampered by online access problems, but that journal availability continues to improve dramatically in many universities. Although researchers in sub-Saharan Africa commonly highlight poor journal access as a serious hindrance to their academic work, the problem of availability - the provision of affordable or free journals and other resources in online form - has been widely and successfully addressed over several years.
The study shows that usage of these journals amongst staff and students remains low, however, due to difficulties in accessing these - both in terms of technology and individual skills. Comparatively low levels of research activity, insufficient ICT resources, and a lack of awareness of available journals all contribute to a common perception that journal availability is poor. Related issues include insufficient promotion and communication of what is available, and the complexities of online access and multiple entry routes.
The full report - Growing knowledge: access to research in east and southern African universities - can be downloaded from www.acu.ac.uk/growing_knowledge. ACU member universities and libraries in Africa will receive a printed copy of the report directly.
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