THE ELECTRONIC PUBLISHING REVOLUTION IS NOT GLOBAL

Proclamations of a global information revolution are in accord with the daily experience of many who live in wealthy countries where interactive CD-ROM products are now being released and high-bandwidth computer networks are essential tools for research and development communities. However, the phrase sounds somewhat glib to many of those who live in poorer countries. This article reviews the global distribution of electronic publishing products and services. It details many of the promising projects now underway, particularly those undertaken in computer networking, and surveys some of the major problems that continue to beset attempts to expand electronic publishing services in the developing world.