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The aim of this paper is to review the development of the library profession in Ghana from its inception during the colonial period to the present day. It discusses the achievements of the profession as well as its problems. Suggestions are made for solutions to these problems. Wherever possible, comparisons are made with other library professions in the sub‐region, particularly with the Nigeria Library Association which is a sister organisation. The writer concludes that a lot still needs to be done by the Ghana Library Association in order to fulfil the basic attributes of the profession.

To meet the challenges of a wide variety of jobs involved in library and information work, trained personnel are a sine qua non. This paper discusses the training of library and information science personnel at the postgraduate level in Ghana's only library school, the Department of Library and Archival Studies (DLAS), University of Ghana, Legon. It touches on a number of issues like programmes and courses offered, duration, general admission requirements, facilities and resources available as well as mode of instruction and assessment. Problems militating against the smooth operation of this library school are also examined. It concludes that, in spite of these problems, the DLAS has been a great force in the development and enhancement of the library profession in Ghana.

This paper is of the view that libraries play an important role in the economic development of every country. It reviews the present state of library services in Ghana in relation to their contributions to the economy of the country. The writer concludes that libraries are contributing very little to the economic development of the country due to various problems such as lack of funds and the misconception of the role of libraries by administrators and policy makers. Suggestions are made for the improvement of the situation, which include various contributions that the Ghana Library Association can make towards the success of the Economic Recovery Programme.

The aim of the research was to find out if the work environment of professional librarians in the five state‐owned university libraries in Ghana encouraged continuing professional development (CPD) and to discover who the librarians felt should be responsible for this.

The research was carried out among professional librarians in the five state‐owned university libraries in Ghana. The study was to find out if their work environment encouraged CPD. The study further investigated who the employees felt should be responsible for their CPD. The importance of a plan for effective CPD was also discussed. Finally, benefits of CPD to the individual professional were looked at. The survey method was used. The instruments for data collection were the questionnaire and interviews.

The study found that the library environment in the state‐owned universities was supportive to a large extent of CPD. The study revealed that the professional librarian's involvement in CPD was a shared responsibility of the library and the individual. Some benefits derived from CPD by the professional librarians were job advancement and updated skills leading to competence.

It is hoped that the study will encourage library management especially in universities to consider formulating and writing down CPD policies and also to adopt management styles that will make them “learning organisations.”

In 1993, all of the six polytechnic institutions in Ghana were elevated to the status of tertiary‐level institutions. This study is an assessment of the state of polytechnic libraries in relation to their new roles as libraries of tertiary institutions. It seeks to investigate the adequacy or otherwise of personnel, finance, materials, accommodation, equipment and services in these libraries. The writers conclude that these facilities are woefully inadequate and have to be improved in order to enhance the academic performance of the students and staff of the polytechnics.

Provides a review of the most recent development in library provision in Ghana. Gives information on the types of libraries in the country ‐ public, academic, special and school ‐ and also deals with issues related to their development. Concludes by suggesting the establishment of a National Library for Ghana.

The library associations in several African countries have been inactive for some time. In those countries where they do try to survive, economic and social constraints are a hindrance to them. Considers the attempts of library associations in Africa to meet the criteria for professionalism. Discusses various barriers to professionalism and suggests how some of these barriers can be broken down. Anticipates that IFLA should play an important role in the development of library associations in Africa.

The issue of standards has always been uppermost in the minds of librarians, and has also received considerable professional attention. Examines the concept of standards for school libraries in Ghana and their functional applicability. Discusses the standards within the framework of stock; selection; accomodation; financial support; furnishing; services; competent staffing and inter‐library co‐operation. This has been developed in the light of the needs of schools in Ghana which are steadily realizing the importance of libraries.

There has been a significant change in the provision of library services due to the application of technology to every aspect of library services. This has posed a major challenge to library staff as they need to be abreast with current technologies and their application to library services. One means by which a librarian can overcome this challenge is through professional development (PD) programs. The purpose of this paper is to determine PD opportunities in private university libraries in Ghana.

A cross-sectional survey of 61 staff and interviews with 20 heads of libraries was conducted to collect data from 25 private universities in Ghana.

The study revealed that not all library staff in the private universities were allowed to attend PD programs. None of the private universities studied had a policy on PD and only three institutions made budgetary allocation to PD programs. Majority of the private universities did not have in-house PD programs and there were no means of knowledge sharing in most of the libraries studied.

In this paper, the researchers identified the major challenges encountered by library staff in private universities in Ghana and propose that librarians should see PD as a part of their own responsibility while, libraries should have a PD policy and make budgetary allocation toward PD.

This paper describes the state‐of‐the art of special libraries in Ghana. Based on observations and original research, the paper discusses a variety of issues such as facilities, staff, materials and services that are provided in these libraries. It has been found that one of their major problems is funding. Recommendations are made towards the improvement of the libraries, which include the need for more library co‐operation, especially at the international level, and the establishment of a National Documentation Centre in the country.