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)

Intended to assist developing countries in the essential task of preserving historical records and, therefore, deliberately oriented towards economy and a low level of technology, this study provides an outline of currently accepted standards that archivists in developing countries, especially those in tropical areas, can apply to their own…

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…

This study grew out of the discussions of a group of archivists convened in 1989. Although universal in application, the study was prepared particularly for developing countries and is intended for archivists who work with records containing personal information. The publication defines "personal information" and outlines the…

Intended for archivists and librarians, especially in developing countries, this study details the systems and principles important in planning and implementing a program for the preservation and restoration of paper documents and books. The importance of environmental (external) causes and effects of paper deterioration are discussed as well as…

Prepared for Unesco's Records and Archive Management Programme (RAMP), this study is designed to provide archivists and other interested information professionals with an introduction to machine-readable records and to provide guidelines for the appraisal of their archival value. The study assumes no prior knowledge of machine-readable records and…

The improvement of information infrastructures in the eastern and southern sub-region of Africa through the adequate training of personnel for libraries and information establishments is one of the major objectives of the Education, Science and Documentation Centre of the German Foundation for International Development (DSE). This reader, designed…

Prepared under contract with the International Council on Archives (ICA), this study is intended to assist information policy and planning specialists; those involved in proposing, drafting and reviewing legislation and administrative regulations; and especially archivists and records managers, in creating, developing, and evaluating modern…

This study, prepared for UNESCO under its Records and Archives Management Programme (RAMP) in cooperation with the International Council on Archives (ICA), proposes a model curriculum in preservation and restoration of documents for archival agencies in developing countries. It is also intended to promote harmonization of such training with the…

Prepared under contract with the International Council on Archives, this Records and Archives Management Programme (RAMP) study is designed to provide archivists, manuscript and museum curators, and other interested professionals with an understanding of the archival character of sound recordings and a set of guidelines for the appraisal of their…

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…

Six papers on information technology, the development of information systems for Third World countries, handling of sound recordings, and library automation were presented at the 1984 IFLA conference. They include: (1) "Handling, Storage and Preservation of Sound Recordings under Tropical and Subtropical Climatic Conditions" (Dietrich…

This paper discusses problems related to library collection of science materials from developing regions, including price increases leading to cancellation of peripheral titles. The importance of access and preservation of such materials is noted. The International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) Science Research…

An anthropological examination of the impact of globalization on education in the Arab world reveals that education is standing on uneasy middle ground between the Westernization of educational structures and philosophies and the preservation of national and local customs and traditions. The transformation of education from a means to acquire a…