This article describes the roles of librarians in a research library, particularly in the digital era. Librarians' roles vary from the custodian of resources to providers of a diverse nature of activities ranging from collection development, organization of knowledge, information services, preservation and conservation, and management. Librarians…

Reports on a 1986-87 study of the value, storage conditions, use, and management of district records in Pakistan. Possible solutions to some of the problems identified are analyzed. Recommendations include relocation of records, microfilming, and development of records management and public access policies. Several immediate actions are also…

This discussion of the oral history and oral tradition of Africa covers the nature of oral archives, theoretical objections to validity of oral tradition and oral history as historical sources, value of oral archives for African countries, accessibility of oral archives, and strategies for improved access. Footnotes are provided. (EJS)

Two articles describe the establishment of national archives in Kenya and in Zanzibar. Kenya's history of mismanagement and destruction of documents by various governments and poor advice by foreign consultants is traced, and the value of Zanzibar's agricultural archives for national development and public administration is discussed. (CDD)

This discussion of the treatment of archives in Sri Lanka outlines their historical development and notes current activities, including records administration, storage considerations, conservation problems involving poor condition of records and use of microfilming, and education of the public to make use of archives. References are provided. (EJS)

Discusses need for microforms (high costs, inaccessibility, space requirements, and deterioration of printed materials), selection of microform materials, and maintenance of microform equipment for library microform services in Nigeria. Results of a study of print material usage at the University of Lagos Library are presented. Eight sources are…

Discusses the use of microfilming for the preservation of deteriorating academic library materials and describes microfilming activities at the University of Peradeniya (Sri Lanka) which were initiated to preserve materials in case of terrorist attacks. Other arrangements are described that were developed to ensure the materials' protection while…

Describes efforts to conserve library materials in Cambodia being undertaken by a Cornell University library program. Topics discussed include the absence of educated librarians; environmental problems, including insects; an absence of preservation facilities and supplies; a lack of policies for the National Library; and physical and bibliographic…

Summaries of presentations made at the Technology at the Library of Congress conference held in May 1986 describe new technologies that the library is applying to its programs and services, including advances in bibliographic control; automated acquisitions systems; computer-to-computer communications; linking of national bibliographic utilities;…

Addresses problems involved with the conservation, preservation, and restoration of library materials in Nigeria. Topics discussed include insect pests; light, heat, and humidity; atmospheric pollution and dust; natural disasters including fire and floods; theft and vandalism; acidity of paper; binding and mending; and trained personnel. (15…

Reviews the Senior Library Assistants course at Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Library (Nigeria). The following six subject areas included in the curriculum are discussed: (1) libraries, information, and society; (2) collection development; (3) organization of library materials; (4) reader's services; (5) preservation; and (6) library…