Since 2008 Malawi Libraries have created more than ten digital library collections of local publications such as dissertations, theses, reports, scientific papers, speeches by politicians and newspaper articles on HIV/AIDS and gender issues. Most publications included were not
“born digital.” This paper views digitization as including the processes of scanning and creation of collections using Open source software such as Greenstone, DSpace, Endnote and Electronic Records and Management System. In Malawi Libraries digitization started after some librarians had attended various training workshops within and outside the country. The projects still face many challenges including: inadequate expertise, use of inadequate equipment, lack of OCR software, unfavourable copyright laws, non-interoperability resulting from use of different content software, thus hampering inter-institutional exchange of records. Some collections are not yet accessible online. It is worth noting however, that constant progress is being made, and some libraries are now acquiring appropriate equipment and software. The Malawi Copyright Act of 1989 is also being revised to accommodate electronic documents. Librarians are gaining expertise mostly through hands-on training.
Over the years there has been steady progress in demand for electronic access to electronic information by researchers, academics, scholars, policy makers, etc.