Problems of the Advanced and Continuous Training for Librarians and Information Workers in the Republic of Cameroon

Abstract

The actual problems of the advanced training, retraining and continuous education for staff of Library and Information Science specialists in the Republic of Cameroon have been examined. Some suggestions for future improvements coming from advanced foreign experience have been proposed. The author exposes a series of contradictions characterizing the system for re-education and re-qualification of librarians in the Republic of Cameroon. The absence of an integral vocational training system with basic standards in defining the functions and significance of librarianship has been indicated. This current analysis solicits senior librarians in the Republic of Cameroon to specialize in different branches of their training. Considering the current situation, the author designates the future directorate of strategic development and continuous training in the country to undertake cardinal systematic transformations in this domain. Having made an analysis of foreign experience, the author indicates the need for training library staff with several levels of specialization, using progressive training teaching models, an opportunity that will create a specialized research centre in the domain of librarianship in the Republic of Cameroon. Priority tasks with guaranteed judicial standards in librarianship in the country have been defined. The author indicates the need for the creation of a practical and scientific professional publishing house that will publish documents focused on development of the various branches/orientations of information, library scientific and practical books, as well as documents that are conceptual and methodical in nature. Furthermore, the author suggests the creation of a unique network for continuous education at the national level.