Libraries, Telecentres, Cybercafes and Public Access to ICT: International Comparisons

Presenting results of a research process from 2007-2009 when a group of researchers in 25 countries around the world studied public access to information and communication technologies (ICT) in developing countries, this book provides worldwide comparative analysis of the public access landscape as well as description and analysis of 25 countries individually. This book enables gaining a general overview of nine issues related to public access to ICT: types of public access venues, the users, infomediares and community engagement, perceptions of trust, what attracts users, gender, challenges for libraries, how public access venues meet information needs, and success factors. The final chapter in part 1 discusses the research methodology and analytical framework used in the study. The second section, consisting of experiences in 25 countries from around the world, enables easy comparison through using the same format for each chapter. A compilation of references and an index make this book useful for further research as well. This book is valuable for any organization or person interested in public access to ICT and how this varies around the world.

"This is a scholarly book written in an easy-to-comprehend style. The wealth of information uncovered by the study could be used by researchers in a number of areas to generate future research. Well researched and analyzed, the work provides a current and unique insight into ICT in the developing world. The detailed analysis is peppered with many examples and case studies from a range of developing countries from Uganda to Mongolia. It is recommended for purchase by academic libraries with a faculty for information science and for other educational libraries with a collection that covers the area of ICTs in developing countries."

This is a very impressive book describing the results of the world-wide project Global Landscape of Public Access Computing. The essence of the project consists of a qualitative inquiry into the state of public access to information and communication technologies in twenty-five countries. The project was conducted by Technology and Social Change Group (TASCHA) of the Washington University who led national teams in the countries. [...] This book will provide a vast and deep picture of public information and communication technologies including access, functioning, use, and consequence in the world.