Impact of the optic fibre network and increased bandwidth on e‐resources access in Malawi
OCLC Systems & Services: International digital library perspectives
ISSN: 1065-075X
Article publication date: 26 October 2012
Abstract
Purpose
The paper seeks to explore the impact of a fibre optic network and increased bandwidth on access to electronic resources for libraries in Malawi.
Design/methodology/approach
This research adopted a case study methodology. Online interviews were conducted with ICT Directors in colleges of the University of Malawi and Mzuzu University. The ICT Directors provided information on bandwidth levels and estimated costs for libraries using VSAT and fibre optics for internet connectivity. User statistics from INASP for the years 2006, 2011 and 2012 were the main sources of information.
Findings
Libraries in Malawi have been affected by the fibre optic network. The fibre optic network has increased bandwidth from a maximum of 1,024 in Kbps around 2006 to between 4 and 8 Mbps per month. Bandwidth costs have been reduced from an average of $US3,000/Mbps in 2006 to around US$1,700/Mbps per month in 2012. The number of articles downloaded has increased from 6,075 in 2006 to 50,860 in 2011, representing a 737 per cent increase. Half‐year statistics for 2012 reveal that the number of articles downloaded increased from 50,860 in 2011 to 81,633, representing a 60.5 per cent increase.
Practical implications
The paper has practical implications on the impact of a fibre optic network and improved bandwidth on access to e‐resources in libraries.
Originality/value
There is an information gap on the impact of fibre optic internet connectivity and improved bandwidth on access to e‐resources in libraries in Africa, and in Malawi to be specific. This research paper seeks to fill and bridge the gap.
Keywords
Citation
Mapulanga, P. (2012), "Impact of the optic fibre network and increased bandwidth on e‐resources access in Malawi", OCLC Systems & Services: International digital library perspectives, Vol. 28 No. 4, pp. 221-234. https://doi.org/10.1108/10650751211279157
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2012, Emerald Group Publishing Limited