About the SARDC Information Resource Centre
The objectives of SARDC Information Resource Centre (IRC) are:
- Information access is facilitated through efficient systems for the collection, storage and retrieval of documentation, data base maintenance and development of a “virtual library”.
- The base of regional knowledge is further strengthened through virtual library access to databases and full text.
Databases
SARDC’s IRC is a regional documentation centre with computerized and comprehensive databases on social, political, economic and cultural issues of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region with more than 15000 subject files. It's major programmes are:
- the India Musokotwane Environment Resource Centre for Southern Africa (IMERCSA),
- Women in Development in Southern Africa Awareness (WIDSAA),
- Sustainable Democracy, and
- Regional Economic Development(REDI).
Each has bibliographic databases of books, periodicals, magazines, primary documents and newspaper clippings, a contacts database and library facilities.
The Resource Centre aims to improve the base of knowledge of key developmental issues in the region and their implications by making information available and accessible to policy-makers, governments, diplomats, the private sector, researchers and research institutions, civic society, and the media in the region and internationally.
SARDC’s library is equipped with a reading room and computer terminals which assist researchers. It also offers consultancy in setting up of libraries, ISIS training and general maintenance of resource centres.
SARDC provides information and analysis of current policies and issues through special reports and news features, books, fact sheets, chronologies and policy analysis. This information is well-received because of its scope and accessibility, drawing positive responses about the quality and mix of information, analysis and documentation, which makes it available to a cross-section of society, from policy makers and parliaments to media and NGOs. Our methodology involves the generation of reliable and accessible information relevant to the SADC region, through a process of participation, networking, wide consultation and ownership, and targeted dissemination, reaching into national, regional and global policy processes.
Opening hours
The library is open to the public from Monday to Friday during the following hours:
08:00 am – 17:00 pm
