The Institute for African studies (lAS) is an interdisciplinary research unit in the Universityrnof Zambia. However, it operates as an independent entity. The Institute undertakes researchrnin the social sciences and the current emphasis is on economic development of the country.rnA study has been conducted to find out the existing information facilities of the Informationrnand Documentation Unit (IDU) of lAS and also the information needs of the researchrnworkers. This study was conducted with a view to proposing a computer-based informationrnsystem to support research activities at the Institute . The results of the study show that: (a)rnuse rs are not satisfied with the information services offered; (b) most of the informationrnsources available are outdated; (c) users are not satisfied with the subject descriptors used;rn(d) users find it difficult to locate and retrieve documents from the collection; and (e) poorrnstaffing . Therefore, a Microlsis-based information system that will operate in a Local ArearnNetwork is proposed. The system in the long run is to be connected to the Wide ArearnNetworks within the country and to the global networks to enable it provide efficientrninformation services. Two prototype databases have been created, (BIAS and FIAS). BIASrndatabase is an integration of bibliographic records of monographs, analytic part fromrnmonographs/ collections, and analytic part from serial; and profiles of projects, institutions ,rnexperts , and information systems. FIAS is a specialised database containing records onrnfactual infOimation about the exchange rate of the Zambian Kwacha to the US dollar, andrnabout the informal sector. A user interface based on simple menus has been developed tornassist users in searching the databases . The system can be implemented after the necessaryrnhardware and software are acquired, additional information professionals are recruited andrnavailable profess ionals are trained to manage the information system. Recommendationsrnhave been made for implementation and further improvement of the system