Libraries in Africa: Pioneers, Policies, Problems

Libraries in Africa confronts the problems of librarianship in Africa head on. It depicts a situation in which some libraries are dependant on foreign aid and yet so short of funding that they cannot afford to buy even the local newspaper. Other libraries channel meager funds to fulfill the needs of a literate and influential minority. Anthony Olden, speaking from personal experience, argues that self-sufficiency will provide the best results in the long run. Individuals, parents, and communities in Africa all believe in the fundamental importance of education attempt—on a local level at least—to pay for what brings them practical returns. Libraries in Africa draws on the records of donor organizations, published literature, and on the author's personal experience.