Paper short abstract:

Information technology can connect libraries and scholars across the globe. What are barriers to developing e-libraries and e-learning and ways to overcome these barriers? What are the benefits of knowledge exchange among scholars worldwide?

Paper long abstract:

Historically, universities in developed countries have donated books and journals to universities in developing countries. These book drives took a lot of time and money to mount and often, the materials sent were outdated. Current information technology allows libraries around the world to be connected and renders efforts to share physical books and journals obsolete. Just as important, this technology supports a two-way flow of information so that the wealth of knowledge among scholars in developing countries can be available to colleagues everywhere. Electronic platforms can enhance collaborative research among scholars across the world and can also support training in research methods via e-learning. This paper examines the barriers to the development of e-libraries and e-learning in developing countries and ways to overcome those barriers. The barriers addressed also include those faced by universities in developed countries. In addition this paper examines the benefits of global knowledge exchange. Information technology can expand our borders and provide endless ways to share information across the globe.