Education and Training for Subject Specialization in Academic and Research Libraries in Africa: A Theoretical Critical Reappraisal

Abstract

The author strongly believes that for any country in Africa to make decisions on the education and training of librarians without minding its national goals is intellectual irresponsibility. It is necessary for educational policy makers in Africa not only to consider carefully the proper aims of education in the context of the particular environment, but also continually to review critically those aims to ensure that they equal the changing values. Education and training for subject specialization in academic research libraries (ARL) in Africa is necessary, but it is not the highly prized type obtainable in the developed countries of the world. The author considered the provision for local adjustment of the international standards of education and training of librarians made by the International Federation of Library Associations (IFLA) and deemed it the best option for Africa. The African philosophy of librarianship, especially concerning the education and training for subject specialization in ARL, is presented. The author concludes that the undergraduate degree type of education and training of librarians with sufficient subject background, which will not only enable the graduates to achieve the national objectives of their countries but will also gradually pilot them to the ideal international standard, is the most acceptable and relevant one for Africa. A number of suggestions are made to improve the education and training of librarians in Africa.