THE CHALLENGES OF THE EMERGING MARKET AND THE EDUCATION AND TRAINING OF INFORMATION PROFESSIONALS IN AFRICA

Examines the curricula of library schools in Africa to ascertain the p roportion of their courses that is relevant to the emerging library an d information science market based on a standard list of topics, rangi ng from computer technology and information and records management to information repackaging and journalism. The list was based on that pre pared by Nick Moore in his study: The emerging markets for librarians and information workers, 1987 (see LISA ref. 88-2944). Data used in th e study was based on prospectuses from the schools supplemented with v isits. Results suggest that a substantial proportion of the institutio ns in Africa have incorporated courses that are appropriate to the eme rging market in their curricula. The majority appreciate the leading p osition held by computer technology in this market, but in reality onl y four-five schools provide computer facilities. Recommends that fundi ng agencies should provide assistance in the training-of information p rofessionals in Africa by sponsoring visiting lecturers and scholars t o training institutions where these lack skilled manpower to teach cer tain courses, and by making the necessary equipment available. Continu ing education for trainers should play an important part.