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…

Describes the library seminar, an experiment in the learning process in which a group of students learn individually and collectively through a book and in a library. (Author)

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)

Describes how the concept of user education developed in Pakistan under the influence of UNISIST. The outline of an inservice orientation course on the structure and use of subject literature for college teachers, and a questionnaire used to determine prior training and skills of participants are appended. (LLS)

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…

Presents overview of developments that have taken place in academic libraries in Iraq and their potential for fulfilling academic community needs. Highlights include educational system, library education, library systems, staff and their status, library services and orientation, library council, library cooperation, professional associations, and…

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…

This paper describes the problems, services, and role of school libraries and media centers in the developing countries, and an experimental research project at the Abadina Media Resource Center (AMRC) in Nigeria. Six problems facing developing countries in the provision of school media services are discussed. An overview of the present state of…

Visits were made to each of the 11 teachers colleges libraries in Papua New Guinea over a 2-month period to study the conditions in the libraries and provide advice on future development that can be effected by present staff and with limited resources. This paper discusses current collection procedures and needs; the organization and distribution…

Discusses how academic libraries and librarians in developing countries can contribute to the creation of self-directed learners and self-reliant researchers, especially among nontraditional students. The library role in independent learning programs and the collection size and library skills instruction required to meet learner needs are…

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…

Noting that under-utilization of information services and systems in developing countries has recently been confirmed by UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) surveys and studies, this paper discusses problems and issues leading to this under-utilization, and examines approaches and actions that could help…