A study of Nigerian university libraries revealed that government funds allocated to purchasing books were doubled following accreditation. Several thousand books and hundreds of journal titles were added to each library. Appendixes contain a list of Nigerian universities and a copy of the questionnaire used in the study. (PEN)

Discusses problems with the growth and development of public libraries in Nigeria. Highlights include low patronage; lack of current materials; lack of trained personnel; inadequate funding; and suggestions for improvement, including the involvement of multinational organizations in funding. (Author/LRW)

The purpose of this study was to determine norms against which the characteristics of community library services could be tested. The five oldest community libraries in the Pinetown (South Africa) public library system were examined. Results showed that certain public library systems, like Pinetown, have made significant progress toward becoming…

Analyzes access behavior of Algerian users of information and documentation, focusing on the imbalance between user demand and quality of library access. Topics include Internet connectivity problems; national bibliographic catalogs and databases; creating digital collections to improve access, especially scientific information; and advantages of…

Presents an analysis of 33 studies on rural information needs of a cluster of three Malaysian villages with no library service. Study found information needs relate to: religious information, family bonding, current affairs, health information, and education. The purposes for seeking information include: fulfillment of need to know, problem…

Examines the promotional, training, legislative, research and publication, and cooperation activities of the Swaziland Library Association (SWALA). Makes recommendations including: membership-needs surveys; a strategic plan prioritizing legislation and training; administrative, leadership and communication improvements; and an increase in…

This study of state university libraries in Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates provides information on library organization and analysis of collections, services, staffing, budgeting, expenditures, automation, and information technology. Suggests further research is needed in collections, services and…

Examines the state of library automation in Pakistan. Discusses early developments; financial support by the Netherlands Library Development Project (Pakistan); lack of automated systems in college/university and public libraries; usage by specialist libraries; efforts by private-sector libraries and the National Library in Pakistan; commonly used…

Provides an overview of the current state of libraries and information services in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Topics include academic, national, public, special, and school libraries; factors dictating the need for information services, including socioeconomic changes; problems; and the need for library education for staffing. (LRW)