Association of African Universities -

During its first meeting (Accra, September 2000) the agenda and discussions mainly focused on the work plan and implementation strategies. The second meeting however, focused on project progress, challenges and future plans. Building on the Committee members' own observations and experiences gathered through interactions with participants during the DATAD workshop that had just ended, the second sitting was highly enriched by this experience as it received and discussed the Project Coordinator's progress report.

The project's financial status was given critical scrutiny with view to determine what could realistically be achieved within available resources. This led to streamlining of the project activities and work plan for optimal realization of the core objectives of the project. To this end, was agreed to defer two activities, namely CD-ROM Production and Publicity and Marketing to the next phase.

Thoughts for the next phase focused on strategies to enhance DATAD as a tool for research and information generation, communication and networking within the overall objective of improving management and access to African scholarly work.
Additional activities will include:

* Regular updating, maintenance and enhancement of the integrated server and the DATAD Home Page
* Annual admission of new institutions to DATAD
* Production of DATAD database on CD-ROM
* Electronic Submission of Theses and Dissertations(ETD)
* Copyright and Intellectual Property Guide
* Regular training for the use of DATAD facilities

The next meeting is scheduled for April 2003.