INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON AFRICAN BIBLIOGRAFHY

Abstract

This supplementary paper, presented at the International Conference on African Bibliography in 1967, identifies three major needs in the field of African language bibliography. First, it argues for a standardised cataloguing system that classifies languages on pragmatic grounds, using a mix of established genetic groups (like Bantu) and regional sections, with languages listed alphabetically within each section. Second, it calls for a standardised list of unique, romanized bibliographical reference-names for all African languages and ethnic groups, avoiding phonetic characters to ensure practicality. Third, it emphasises the need for a coordinated system for listing African vernacular publications, recommending that major languages have their own bibliographies maintained by institutions within their language-areas, while smaller languages are handled by national or regional centres to ensure efficiency and uniformity