Profiling African libraries: automation in Ghana, Kenya and Nigeria Available to Purchase

Suggests that access to and sharing of information resources are dependent on the automation of library operations and use of computers. Profiles characteristics of libraries in three African countries (Ghana, Kenya and Nigeria), with particular emphasis on the state of the art of technological capabilities. A very small number of libraries have online public access catalogues, and very few of the respondents to the survey reported here indicated that their staff members had an excellent knowledge of computers and computer functions. About 44 per cent of responding libraries own computers, and the most common microcomputer application is local database searching. Lack of funds and training in librarianship are two major problems, though the vast majority of librarians indicated a strong desire to further their education in librarianship. When planning automation, it is important for African librarians and computer scientists to get leaders in authority involved. Resource sharing and co‐operation among libraries need to be given serious consideration.