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…

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Records and Archives Management Programme (RAMP) works primarily to help developing countries meet archive and record management needs. This study is intended to inform archivists, curators, and users in the proper handling and care of archival materials. The publication…

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)

Nigeria, a tropical country, has an overriding concern for the preservation of its library materials from the ravages of heat, high humidity, insects, and mold. This paper generally deals with prevailing climatological problems, existing library facilities and their shortcomings, internal climate control measures, pesticidal treatments,…

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 document details the creation and development of a small-scale microfiche production unit in the Matheson Library of the Papua New Guinea University of Technology. Emphasized are the technical aspects of developing the unit, especially in a developing nation. Specifications for equipment are provided, and production procedures are detailed.…

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 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…

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…

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…

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…

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…