Introduction
Information is a powerful tool in decision-making.  The challenge in the current globalised world, is how to effectively access updated information so as to make decisions based on a comprehensive analysis coupled with adequate statistics. Thus, with the advent of new and emerging technologies, the need to constantly have access to updated and current information has never been more paramount for policy decision makers, educators, learners, development partners and the public at large. Although the world cannot do without paper information, it must be complemented with tools that provide access to new information that has not found its way to the printing press and which is still valuable information. Such information is available in localised and networked computers, intranets and Internet sites, CD-ROMs, and many database-driven web sites.

There is therefore need to provide a centralised vehicle that makes it easy for any web visitor to access the online information that is stored at different locations. A virtual library is one vehicle fulfills this criteria since it has no physical existence, and is constructed solely in electronic form. It extends resources through access to bibliographic databases, full-text files, images and other information in electronic format.

The UNESCO Harare Cluster office Virtual Library
In an effort to satisfy the information needs of one or many users wherever they may reside, independent of the location of the resources, the UNESCO Harare Cluster Virtual Library acts as a web catalog with varying categories, facilitating easy access to online reference materials. The focus is on material developed in, emanating from, or referring to the sub-Saharan African region, with special emphasis on the SADC region.

Arrangement and navigation
To access information to the various sites, click a link of choice using the navigation bar on the left side. This will open a page with several other links which a visitor can follow to get the information being searched for. The home link as well as the two pictures above it, should bring the visitor back to this page.

Growth of the virtual library
In order to keep the information on this virtual library current, visitors are encouraged to report any dead links to the site administrator for corrective measures to be taken. Those who have newly created sites with information of interest to our readers, and which they wish to be linked to from this site, kindly fill the form provided here and send it to us - we thank you in advance.

Contact: In case you have any comments about the site, or queries on the content, or if you simply want to contact the office via email, use the Harare Email System to send your message. Alternatively, send your message to the site administrator and you will receive a response as soon as possible.