The new African Librarian: Perspectives from the continent

This book grew out of the African Library Summit, the first event of its kind, held in South Africa from 11 to 13 May 2011, and co-hosted by the Library of the University of South Africa, the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) Africa Section and the IFLA Regional Office for Africa. The purpose of the Summit was to bring together African library leaders to reflect on the roles of African libraries and librarianship in the production of knowledge and the dissemination of African research, with an obligation to develop libraries in the country of origin. Delegates from 24 African countries participated in the Summit, together with delegates from the United States, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Italy and Germany. Based on the proceedings of the first Summit, the papers have been reviewed by the editors for publication and were subjected to a peer review process. The contents cover current trends in librarianship, regional and country overviews, knowledge management, the role of library associations in the development and training of 21st century library and information professionals, and much more.

The outcomes, accepted resolutions and the statement of commitment signed by the participants of the Summit are provided, with an overview of the future of African librarianship. The fruitful discussions on all these topics led to one inevitable question: what does it mean to be a librarian on the African continent? The answers provided reveal the advent of the new African librarian, dedicated to a new collaborative vision, with a commitment to quality, and confidence in the important role libraries have to play in the present and future of the continent. This book represents the arrival of an exciting phase in the history and development of African librarianship and is essential reading for understanding the background to the changes we are seeing and those to come.

Book order form