Commissioned by the Coalition for Networked Information, this report examines the role of research universities in addressing complex societal challenges. It focuses on climate change, which is best characterized as a "wicked" problem. Such problems are difficult to define and lack clear solutions in part because they involve multiple…

The terms Diversifying, Decentring and Decolonising characterise the ways that academic libraries are engaging with social justice issues, through multiple theoretical perspectives epitomised by the rejection of libraries as neutral spaces. The review covers numerous case studies of critically informed action, or praxis across a variety of…

Discussion of the problems which confront African library administrators in the establishment of a new university library focuses on administrative, social, political, and economic problems. Educational systems in Africa are seen to be the prime key to development of more and better university library services. Footnotes are included. (EJS)

Nigerian university libraries are threatened by underfunding and inadequate collections and facilities. This article examines factors influencing the future prospects of Nigerian university libraries. Discusses Nigeria's mineral oil resources; political instability and stratification of ethnic groups; and the National Universities Commission, the…

Discusses the role of academic libraries and librarians and suggests they should become more involved in social and political issues such as AIDS education. The use of a mass media campaign as a model for library activities is explained, and problems surrounding AIDS education in libraries are addressed. (20 references) (LRW)

Offers brief, critical reviews of recent scholarly and general works of interest to reference workers in university libraries. Titles covered include dictionaries, databases, religion, literature, music, dance, art and architecture, business, political science, social issues, and history. Brief descriptions of new editions and supplements for…

This paper is a call for academic and public libraries to contemplate their role in meeting the Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) information needs of their patrons. Librarians are urged to consider the potential negative consequences of neglecting to provide up-to-date and representative collections of AIDS materials. It is suggested…