LIBRARY ACQUISITIONS UNDER ECONOMIC RECOVERY PROGRAMME IN WEST AFRICA Available to Purchase

The objectives and strategy of the Economic Recovery Programme(ERP) or Structural Adjustment Programme (SAP) in the West African economy are examined, focusing on the disastrous effects on library materials acquisitions. The causes of foreign exchange scarcity and reasons for the poor performance of libraries in acquisitions under the ERP/SAP are explored. A strategy for sustaining acquisitions in austere times is suggested, concluding with a warning against the marginalisation of education and the library service.