Libraries: tools for education and development in post‐conflict Sierra Leone

Emerald - Tập 54 Số 5 - Trang 301-308 - 2005
MaryGorvie1
1West African Monetary Agency, Freetown, Sierra Leone

Tóm tắt

PurposeTo describe the state of the library system in Sierra Leone in the recent period after the civil war, and its part in post‐conflict reconstruction.Design/methodology/approachA descriptive account with some historical, social and geographical contextual information.FindingsThe paper demonstrates how libraries have an essential role to play in the recreation of a nation's civil fabric following a period of destruction and social disintegration.Research limitations/implicationsThis account of library reconstruction during a period of post‐conflict stability describes a situation, the future development of which is dependent on a number of external variables. It is difficult to predict how those factors will in fact play out, but there is reason for cautious optimism.Practical implicationsThis paper describes the pragmatic steps and policy commitments needed to restore library services in a period following a breakdown in civil order.Originality/valueThe paper gives an important insight into library work in a difficult and traumatic setting and provides ample evidence of how librarianship has an invaluable contribution to make in such environments.

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