Six-Country Africa Library Perception Study

This study aims to inform the Electronic Information for Libraries Public Library Innovation Programme (EIFL-PLIP) by deepening understanding of the status and role of public libraries in Africa and of the vision, aspirations, and expectations of the general public (library users and non-users), librarians and national and local government officials. It was commissioned by EIFL and carried out by the social and market research company TNS Research and Marketing Services Limited (RMS) East Africa. The study took place in Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zimbabwe from December 2010 to July 2011.

The study found that public libraries, widely available in most of the 6 countries studied, offer "the traditional service of lending of books and a good environment for studying, i.e., where school pupils or university students can complete homework and classroom related reading, such as reading for examinations. According to the study, most people associate public libraries with traditional book lending and reference services rather than technical innovation and provision of community development services.

However, most people also believe that public libraries can make a difference in ...development areas, including health, employment, agriculture and e-government, and that public libraries need and deserve more funding, especially for information and communication technology.

Researchers found that in all six countries, most public libraries are small and under resourced. All stakeholders - from national and local government to the level of library users and non-users - are concerned about the many challenges that libraries and librarians face.

A particular concern is lack of technology: 54% of local government officials and 38% of library users said libraries did not have enough computers. An overwhelming majority of librarians (89%) said their priority need was additional funding for equipment, especially computers, TV, scanners, and photocopiers. Their second concern was space and seating to enhance users’ comfort. However, librarians admitted that they did not have the skills required to advocate for additional funding.

Awareness of public libraries is high among all stakeholders, but exposure of women and youth to libraries is limited. Most library users are men (70%). A typical user is an unmarried male student, aged under 30, with some secondary schooling or university/technical education. In four countries - Uganda, Tanzania, Zimbabwe and Ghana - most librarians are men. A typical librarian can be described as male (female in Kenya and Ethiopia), professionally trained (most likely in librarianship) and aged between 21 and 50."

EIFL-PLIP is using the research to guide a strategy to empower library leaders, librarians, and other stakeholders to advocate for support and funding for public libraries; to inspire librarians to research community development needs; and to address community needs through providing innovative services.