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Information
Resource Center: American Embassy
American
Embassy, Harare
November 16, 2005
1. What is the
IRC in the American Embassy structure?
The IRC is "The
Information Resource Center (IRC)" and is part of the Public Affairs
Section (formerly USIS). With a wide range of print and electronic resources
it provides current authoritative information about the United States,
its policies, its social, economic and political processes. The information
resources are specifically intended to meet the needs of government officials,
civic leaders, journalists, researchers, professionals and academics interested
in the United States.
2.
What specific subject areas does the IRC Collection cover?
The collection
covers current topical issues such as: information technology; journalism;
women’s issues; American society and values; political process; conflict
resolution/international relations; economics; labor relations; entrepreneurship;
education; management; American literature; American art; performing arts;
and American history.
3. Are there any Newspapers in the IRC?
The Information
Resource Center subscribes to the following newspapers:
- New York Times
(Sunday edition)
- USA Today (Daily)
- Wall Street Journal
(Daily)
- Washington Post
(Sunday edition)
4. Does the IRC provide Reference and Information Services?
Trained staff members are available to answer questions and assist
patrons in locating materials of their interest. The IRC is well equipped
to provide information about biographies, official speeches, contact addresses
of officials and institutions; legislation; web sites; newspaper and journal
articles; reports and documents from the U.S. Government or Think Tanks.
Inquiries can be done in person, by fax: 263-4-758802 telephone:
263-4-758800/1,
or e-mail: hararepas@state.gov
5.
Does the IRC Assist Researchers when information needed is not available
in the local collection?
When information and documents are not readily available from
our on-site resources, the Information Resource Center can provide special
referral services to the United States. When necessary, our Washington
Office can make personal contact with government agencies, academic and
research institution, foundations, business and non-governmental organizations
in search of illusive materials. For this service to be effective in meeting
deadlines, adequate lead-time may be needed for processing the inquiries.
6. What kind of
periodicals are held by the IRC?
The Information Resource Center subscribes to 60 periodical titles
in hard copy. Included in the subscription list are: Harvard Business
Review, Fortune, Business Week, Current History and Foreign Affairs. A
complete list can be provided upon request.
7.
What Other Services are provided by the IRC?
7.1 Electronic
Journals
The Information
Resource Center has access to the State Department’s electronic journals.
These topical journals cover: freedom of information, economic issues,
governance and American society and values. The IRC provides hard
copies or electronic copies proactively and upon request.
7.2 Online
Databases
The Information
Resource Center has access to major American online databases. This
is a rare and unique service in Zimbabwe due to the availability of
full text articles to thousands of American journals and newspapers.
Databases include:
-
Lexis-Nexis:
provides full text access to U.S. Public Laws, Code of Federal Regulations,
-
EBSO
Host:
-
Proquest
Direct: provides access to an extensive collection of over 4,000
indexed titles and over 2,000 full text journals with illustrations.
-
Galenet:
Covers a wide range of directories, and other products, mainly
from the Internet with access to the Congressional Record, the Federal
Register and Congressional Bills – all accessible on the day of
publication.
-
State-USA:
An online resource supported by the Department of Commerce
containing crucial and timely business and economic information
produced by the U.S. Federal Agencies.
-
Public
Diplomacy Query (PDQ): an online government resource that provides
full-text of speeches by U.S. officials and facts.
7.3 Photocopying
Photocopying
facilities (for personal use) are provided, at a fee, for library patrons
to be able to copy from any of the IRC’s print resources. The IRC observes
all copyright restrictions, which may apply.
7.4 Public
Access Computers
The Information Resource Center provides Internet facilities to
individuals who wish to do personalized research on American issues.
Qualified staff members are available to offer orientation and assistance
upon request. Due to a limited number of computers available, access
to personal e-mail is discouraged.
8.
Does the IRC provide membership and lending services?
Membership, which
entitles one to borrow books, is available to lecturers and students at
universities and approved colleges; government officials; media personnel;
retirees; and authentically employed persons in business, education and
NGOs. Membership is processed upon payment of an annual processing fee
of Z$100,000.00. Proof of employment or a supporting letter may be requested.
Members must comply with library rules and regulations.
9. Can
non-members have access to the IRC resources and serives?
Anyone over
the age of 19, who does not qualify for membership, can access the IRC’s
resources and facilities for on-site use only. Our trained staff members
provide assistance to those wishing to conduct research or undertake specific
projects either in person, by telephone, fax or e-mail. .
10. Does the
Embassy host a website for those unable to use the IRC?
Yes, for background information about the Embassy and answers to
FAQ (Frequently asked Questions) visit our website at: http://zimbabwe.usembassy.gov
10. What are
the IRC's opening hours?
The IRC
is open to the public: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday: 10.30 a.m.
- 4.30 p.m.
The Information
Resource Center is CLOSED on Wednesdays, Zimbabwean and American Holidays.
11. Where is
the IRC Located?
The IRC's
contact details are:
38 Nelson Mandela
Avenue
Century House East
P.O. Box 4010
Harare, Zimbabwe
Tel: 263-4-758800/1
Fax: 263-4-758802
E-mail: hararepas@state.gov
Please credit www.kubatana.net if you make use of material from this website.
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons License unless stated otherwise.
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