INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON AFRICAN BIBLIOGRAPHY

Abstract

This document presents a detailed overview of the development, scope, and challenges of national bibliography in Madagascar. It highlights the historical foundation laid by Guillaume Grandidier’s retrospective bibliography (1500–1955) and its continuations, leading to the establishment of an annual current bibliography starting in 1964. The compilation is managed by the University Library and National Library of Madagascar, with support from cultural and academic institutions. The bibliography includes all materials related to Madagascar, regardless of subject or place of publication, and uses the Universal Decimal Classification (UDC) system. Key challenges include financial sustainability, lack of a dedicated national bibliographic service, absence of standardized international cataloging norms, and coordination with other African bibliographies. The author advocates for the creation of a supranational bibliographic organization to harmonize efforts across tropical African countries and support the development of national bibliographic services