University Libraries in English-Speaking Central Africa

Abstract

A brief survey is made of the move to establish university institutions in the former British Central African Territories after the Asquith recommendations in 1945. The three university establishments in English-speaking Central Africa are recently founded and small. The pattern of university library development is influenced by immediate, cultural and social needs and conditions peculiar to Tropical Africa—lack of other types of libraries and lack of adequate book supplies. The libraries resemble those of small UK universities. Some com parative evaluation follows, of the administrative organization, acquisitions policy, readers' services and staff composition. Bibliographic and reference services, though well provided, should extend to training the student reader in an independent approach. The universities are providing national reference and information services. They should encourage greater co-ordination of library resources through co-operative activities. Training of indigenous librarians for national needs at all levels is an activity already being tackled and more help should begiven. Bibliographical projects and library research should be the main preoccupation for national benefit.