The Changing Role of Mobile Libraries in Africa

Abstract

Traditional mobile library programs have experienced limited success in Africa when compared to other regions of the world. In this article based on an extensive literature review, the author describes the history and problems of mobile library programs on that continent. In the future, their role should include collaboration with other agencies to deliver information to the majority of the population which remains rural and non-literate. The author also suggests that the term "mobile information delivery systems" would be more appropriate than "mobile libraries" in this context.

Private camel library brings hope to pastoralists: the Kenyan experience

“…With achievements already realized, we recommend that as a step towards identifying the pattern and quality of service suitable for other African communities, African librarians should embark on extensive researches and surveys into the specific means of taking information to different categories of users. We agree with Ward's (1996) conclusion that the term``mobile information delivery systems'' is more appropriate than the``mobile libraries''. User needs research should be undertaken in earnest.…”

“…distributing books between Bamako and the Senegalese border (Ward, 1996). Other examples are: UNESCO (Tardon, 1967) incorporated vehicles into its pilot public library services in Delhi, India, and in the north-eastern city of Medellin (Arroyave, 1967).…”

“…There are other striking developments in mobile services in Zimbabwe. This country has a converted bus library service (Ward, 1996). There is also a strategy called Rural Libraries and Resources Development Programme (RLRDP, 1997) in Nkayi and Nyange Districts.…”

“…However, there is an urgent need in Africa, if we are to make any headway in economic development, to redesign and re-pattern library services and information transfer to meet the needs of illiterate people too''. The mobile library programme must adapt to a changing physical environment requiring new modes of planning and managing (Ward, 1996).…”