The information divide: publishing and access issues

Abstract

Changes in information access are explored at a macro-environment (global), and then a micro-environment (local) level. It is argued that changes in the publishing industry have occurred not only because of the advent of electronic publishing, but also because of a fundamental paradigm shift from \"information as societal good\" to \"information as commodity\". Some global and local developments in information access and the Open Access movement are highlighted, and the National Library of South Africa\'s interim strategies to bridge the information and digital divide are identified. However, it becomes evident that unless librarians, information consumers, publishers, governments and all participants in the access process address the \"information as commodity\" paradigm, the information gap will not be closed in the foreseeable future.

Innovation No.29 2004: 24-31