The Documentation Unit at the Development Studies & Research Institute (DSRI) serves as the backbone of our mission to preserve, organize, and share knowledge on development studies. Established to support our research, teaching, and community engagement efforts, this unit is a vital resource for scholars, practitioners, and policymakers seeking insights into Sudan’s development landscape.

Our Role

The Documentation Unit is responsible for maintaining a specialized library and overseeing the institute’s publications and press activities. We collect, catalog, and disseminate a wealth of resources, ensuring that research findings, policy analyses, and development experiences are accessible to a wide audience. By promoting documentation and information science, we facilitate the exchange of knowledge within Sudan and beyond.

Key Components

• Specialized Library: Our library houses an extensive collection of books, journals, reports, and periodicals focused on development studies, gender issues, economic planning, and socio-economic trends in Sudan. It serves as a hub for researchers, students, and professionals seeking authoritative resources.

• Development information center (ICD): It was established as partnership between the DSRI and the World Bank. The ICD has an electronic library with internet access and linkages to data bases are provided free to all public and local community users.

• Publications and Press Unit: We produce and distribute a range of materials, including research reports, policy briefs, and academic periodicals. These publications highlight DSRI’s cutting-edge research and contribute to national and international development discourse.

Services Offered

• Resource Access: Providing access to both physical and digital materials for on-site and remote users.
• Research Support: Assisting researchers with literature reviews, data compilation, and archival materials.
• Knowledge Dissemination: Publishing and sharing DSRI’s work to inform policy, education, and practice.
• Exchange Programs: Facilitating the exchange of publications with national and international institutions to enrich our collection and extend our reach.

Impact and Legacy

Since DSRI’s founding in 1976, the Documentation Unit has played a critical role in archiving Sudan’s development journey. From documenting the outcomes of past projects—like the gender mainstreaming initiatives with DFID (2007-2010) or the democratization studies with the Swedish Ministry of Foreign Affairs (2019-2020)—to supporting graduate research theses, our unit ensures that valuable insights are preserved for future generations. Despite challenges such as the loss of equipment during political upheavals, we remain committed to rebuilding and modernizing our resources.

Why It Matters

The Documentation Unit is more than a repository—it’s a gateway to understanding Sudan’s socio-economic challenges and solutions. By maintaining a robust library and producing high-quality publications, we empower our community of researchers, students, and partners to drive evidence-based development. We continue to uphold DSRI’s legacy as a knowledge leader. The library is open to students and researchers from all parts of Sudan and outside Sudan.