Special Libraries in Ghana: An Evaluation and Comparison of the Services Provided by Two Special Libraries in Accra, Ghana

Abstract

In Ghana, a close analysis of special library activities reveals the fact that the general pace of development lags far behind modern trends and techniques; this is surprising because library development in the country started with the development of special libraries.A possible reason for this slow rate of development has been given by Villars, who suggests that special libraries in Ghana have grown in isolation of each other, and in consequence, definite patterns of development have been difficult to establish.By 1970, about forty special libraries had been set up in the country. More than half of this number (twenty-three) were established between 1961-1970. After Independence in 1957, many organizations were established, such as the Volta River Authority, Bank of Ghana, National Investment Bank, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, etc. All these organizations were set up with a motivation towards development and thus desired or needed library facilities.