ACU is using this grant to assess the digital information resource needs in African universities.

The schemes and programmes already available to African libraries are being reviewed, including the availability of literature and their take-up by libraries and academics.

Four large African institutions with significant research capacity will be studied for individual case studies. An initial assessment of their library resources will confirm whether they are able to use significant volumes of online material and the enthusiasm of library staff for the project.

A short questionnaire for junior and senior staff will assess likely needs and the extent to which these are being met, barriers to further take-up and the current forms of information utilised.

The questionnaire will be supplemented by around 25 interviews with librarians, senior and junior academic staff, research students and senior policy makers. These will seek to draw out obstacles of access and usage of digital resources.

Established in 1913, ACU is the oldest inter-university network in the world. It has 500 members spread across five continents and the current programme is part of its mission to promote higher education within the Commonwealth.