Corruption, librarians and building a new South Africa

bibliographic database
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Periodical article

Title:	Corruption, librarians and building a new South Africa
Author:	Dick, Archie L.
Year:	2008
Periodical:	Innovation: Journal of Appropriate Librarianship and Information Work in Southern Africa
Issue:	37
Pages:	41-52
Language:	English
Geographic term:	South Africa
Subjects:	libraries corruption access to information
Abstract:	How can we change a culture of secrecy to one of access to information, and how can we change a culture of corruption to one of anti-corruption? In South Africa, a technocratic approach to corruption is not enough. New laws and protocols and the ratification of anti-corruption conventions and protocols should be combined with awareness and empowerment programmes and the monitoring of implementation strategies. This article argues that a network of civil society organizations, including libraries, can combat corruption by monitoring measures to promote free access to information and freedom of expression. It further argues that cultures of access to information and anti-corruption should be connected. Using a two-fold view that information is power and power is information, it documents initiatives to promote access to information and combat corruption in South Africa. Bibliogr., sum. [Journal abstract, edited]