This software permits the user to search the Center's complete catalogue of holdings. This search capability permits the retrieval of any and all relevant citations for any appropriate inquiry relating to indigenous knowledge for agriculture and rural development, and related subjects from the Center's collection. As a future service to users, the library plans to provide document delivery for documents in its collection. Funds will be sought to offer subsidized photoduplication service for a one year trial period, beginning in the third year of the unit's operation. It is expected that this service will not only promote the transfer of information, but will stimulate the contribution of additional relevant documents to the Center's collection by users of this service.
Future plans call for the dissemination of documents to national and regional centers on microfiche.
They are also interested in approaches which have been demonstrated as effective in creating appropriate and sustainable development. Traditional and appropriate methods for meeting the basic needs for food, clothing, and shelter are of particular concern, as are practices which enhance the sustainability of these methods. Modern scientific techniques which can augment traditional indigenous methods and practices, and which are appropriate for use by indigenous peoples, are of particular interest. The development and use of methodologies for recording indigenous knowledge, the incorporation of indigenous knowledge and its inherent aspects into an integrated approach to development, and the appropriate transfer of skills, techniques, and knowledge into formal and informal educational programs constitute the remaining areas of primary interest. To maintain the integrity of the collection standard library procedures are used.