The periodical literature of library and information in Africa

Abstract

In the view of Joswick (1999), library and information service journals remain the primary outlet for the communication of research findings among librarians. However, it must also be accepted that the journals must be easily accessible to the read- ers in order that the information they contain will be useful to them. It is thus considered imperative to have research findings reported in journals that are commonly found in the area of research focus so that research findings are more accessible to local researchers. In this way, whatever findings and recom- mendations are made in a research, can easily be seen and applied in the local environment. In some cases, new innova- tions that have been applied elsewhere can be adopted to the African environment only if they have been seen in journals that are common in Africa. Library and information professionals in Africa have for a long time been disadvantaged in this area because journals published in Africa generally have a short lifespan. It was mainly with these problems in mind that the African Journal of Library, Archives and Information Science was established in 1991 with the following mission, vision and goals: Mission To provide on a regular and sustainable basis an excellent scholarly journal that will provide a forum for librarians, documentalists, archivists and other information specialists, for reporting empirical research findings, studies on highly theoretical aspects of the various disciplines in the informa- tion profession, with emphasis on the Africa setting. The journal will serve as a gateway for the latest developments in the information profession all over the world and Africa in particular. Vision The journal is expected to be the major medium for reporting research findings in the information profession in Africa.