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 pro portion of their courses that is relevant to the emerging library and informa tion science market based on a stan dard list of topics, ranging from computer technology and information and records management to informa tion repackaging and journalism. The list was based on that prepared by Nick Moore in his study: The emerging mar kets for librarians and information workers, 1987 (see LISA ref. 88-2944). Data used in the study was based on prospectuses from the schools supple mented with visits. Results suggest that a substantial proportion of the institutions in Africa have incorporat ed courses that are appropriate to the emerging market in their curricula. The majority appreciate the leading posi tion held by computer technology in this market, but in reality only four- five schools provide computer facili ties. Recommends that funding agencies should provide assistance in the training of information profess ionals in Africa by sponsoring visiting lecturers and scholars to training insti tutions where these lack skilled man power to teach certain courses, and by making the necessary equipment avail able. Continuing education for trainers should play an important part.