Information Literacy (IL) is recognized around the world as an essential skill for the information society. The aim of the paper is to examine the various information literacy practices in university libraries in Africa, to identify the barriers facing IL programmes in Africa, and to provide suggestions on how best to improve IL practices. A…

Briefly describes the methods used to provide library orientation (an introduction to the physical plant, policies, procedures and resources of the library) and library instruction (bibliographic and research skills) in Nigerian medical libraries. (five references) (CLB)

Describes a study that examined the cognitive styles of African students in order to propose appropriate strategies for bibliographic instruction in African colleges. The results of the cognitive tests given to students are presented, and recommendations for appropriate teaching strategies are outlined. (12 references) (CLB)

Summarizes the results of a study of students' attitudes toward a library orientation/bibliographic instruction and user education course at Bendel State University in Nigeria. These results indicate that the students found the course very useful both in academic work and in social life. Suggestions are made for the improvement of the course. The…

Describes the library orientation programs given to first-year students at Chancellor College in the University of Malawi (Africa). Topics include school libraries; orientation objectives; program organization and content; staffing; library teaching aids; reasons for success; and problems. (AEF)

The purpose of this meeting was to solicit input for action on the topic of training information users in higher education with special reference to the needs of developing countries. Two documents which had been prepared to form the basis for discussion were introduced: a report of a survey that had investigated what was being done in selected…

The third volume of this handbook for professionals in librarianship, archival studies, and information science in Eastern and Southern Africa focuses on the user of information and documentation establishments in Kenya. The six papers included in this collection are: (1) "The Online User in a Developing Country: The Case of Kenya" (S.…

Describes a survey of student patrons of a Nigerian academic library that sought to assess user needs and examine student attitudes toward the library. Findings discussed include prior library experience, effectiveness of library orientation programs, actual use of the library, student relationships with library staff, and student reactions to…

Describes a library user education program for first-year students at Zambia's Copperbelt University that is designed to increase student awareness of available resources; improve their skills in independent learning; and enhance the presentation of their coursework. Planning user education programs in conjunction with faculty and other…

The improvement of information infrastructures in the eastern and southern sub-region of Africa through the adequate training of personnel for libraries and information establishments is one of the major objectives of the Education, Science and Documentation Centre of the German Foundation for International Development (DSE). This reader, designed…

Summarizes the findings and recommendations of a 1991 survey of higher education libraries in Papua New Guinea. Topics discussed include the role of the National Library; funding; development of the Papua New Guinea Library and Information Network (PNGLINET); buildings and storage facilities; staffing and training; statistics; and library skills…

This analysis of how to educate information professionals in the work of educating users, and why it is desirable to do so, begins by presenting a general discussion of who the information users are, why they use information, and how information professionals can contribute to educating and helping citizens in Latin America to achieve a better way…

Eleven papers delivered for the Division of Libraries Serving the General Public at the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions 1992 annual meeting are presented. Most deal with library services to multicultural populations, including those of developing countries. The following papers are included: (1) "Library…

The following 19 papers were delivered at the 1992 annual meeting of the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions for the Division of Education and Research: (1) "Across the Frontiers: Impact of Foreign Journals in Library Science in India: A Citation Analysis" (M. A. Gopinath); (2) "Children and Reading in…

The 16 papers in this collection focus on the impact of new technologies on libraries and their managers: (1) "Has Technology Failed Us?" (Frederick W. Lancaster); (2) "The Wheel of Fortune: Academic Libraries. IT and the Re-emerging Past" (Alasdair Paterson); (3) "Management Strategies for Enhancing the Adoption of Technological Innovations"…