New perspectives on community library development in Africa

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the constraints of and opportunities for the role of African community libraries in development, using an ecological framework for library development.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing on a review of the literature and the three authors’ own experiences, the paper critically examines community libraries, mainly from Uganda and Ethiopia, and frames the analysis within an ecological framework of library development.

Findings

There are many examples of community libraries that realize various elements of the ecological framework (context/environment, equity/social justice, partnerships/interactions, and action/research).

Practical implications

The ecological framework further developed in this paper helps community library leaders to critically examine their programmes and services and develop strategies for further growth, and suggests closer collaboration between community librarians, local communities, and researchers.

Originality/value

This paper addresses the need to move beyond community library research on the predominant outputs (library statistics) and outcomes (societal value/impact) models, adding a critical perspective of the larger social and political structures that limit and shape the development of community libraries.

Citation

Stranger-Johannessen, E., Asselin, M. and Doiron, R. (2015), "New perspectives on community library development in Africa", New Library World, Vol. 116 No. 1/2, pp. 79-93. https://doi.org/10.1108/NLW-05-2014-0063