Towards a re-interpretation of public library purpose in Africa

Abstract

This paper is of the view that public library services as they are presently, in Africa, have not changed very much from the service introduced by the colonial masters at the inception of these libraries. The libraries do not suit the needs of the people as they are mostly elitist institutions serving just a minority of the people in these countries. It is the view of the writers that this colonial mentality and parochial attitude towards service should change if public libraries have to make any impact in Afiica. New and improved services such as community libraries, cultural preservation and services for the visually handicapped are recommended.