Perceptions of Public Libraries in Africa

Article discussing results of the groundbreaking study, Perceptions of Public Libraries in Africa, commissioned by EIFL in 2011

You are here

ABOUT THE RESOURCE

TYPE:
Article
AUTHOR:
ELBERT Monika; FUEGI David; LIPEIKAITE Ugne
DATE:
March 2012
DOCUMENT LANGUAGE:
English
OTHER LANGUAGES:

Article summarizing results of the research, Perceptions of Public Libraries in Africa (TNS RMS East Africa, 2011). The research took place in six countries: Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda and Zimbabwe. 

The research found that the general public and a variety of stakeholders (government officials, media, librarians) perceive public libraries to be small and under-resourced. They are seen as quiet places for study, for lending books and offering reference services. However, the study also found that the majority of stakeholders believe public libraries have the potential to contribute to community development in important areas such as health, employment and agriculture.

The article was published in Ariadne, March 2012, vol. 68.