About the ReviewerThe Practice of Conservation of Library Materials in Sub–Saharan Africa. By M. E. Ojo–Igbinoba. Bloomington, Indiana: African Studies Program, Indiana University, 1993. v, 60 p. (Monographs on Africana Librarianship, 3) ISBN 0–941–93465–9. $7.00.
Although it is now two decades since the issues of preservation and conservation were given recognition by librarians, little or nothing has been written about preservation in African countries addressing specifically African problems. Therefore, the publication of this book — coinciding with the Pan African Conference on Preservation and conservation of Library and Archival Materials (Nairobi, June 1993) — is both a welcome and timely addition to the literature. The aim of the author, a Nigerian librarian, is to provide an account of what African university libraries are doing to conserve their collections. Conservation is defined as encompassing both preservation (preventing deterioration) and restoration (correcting deterioration). A questionnaire on conservation practices was circulated to university libraries in Sub–Saharan Africa in 1990, and received a 64 percent response. The results are introduced by Ojo–Igbinoba with a description of the climatic background of Africa. He then examines the various agents of deterioration — biological, physical, chemical, disasters, handling — and, from the data collected by the questionnaire, analyzes the responses of African university libraries. Methods peculiar to Africa are highlighted. An account of restoration practices follows, and finally there are suggestions for the future.
The strength of the book lies in its effective collation and presentation of data on conservation practices. The reader quickly draws the conclusion that not very much is being done. For example, only one of the responding libraries uses microform for reformatting. Conservation supplies and equipment are rarely available. Few library schools teach conservation as a core course.
I was disappointed that the author did not present any data on the comparative prevalence in African libraries of the various agents of deterioration or any assessment of their impact on library stocks. If we knew what causes the most damage we could spend our limited resources accordingly. From my own experience, I rate poor handling of library materials by staff and readers as the worst enemy!
Occasionally the author offers prescriptive comments on what the ideal conservation practices should be. This is most dangerous, as in some cases the prescriptions do not accord with the latest thinking. For example, the use of chemical insecticides is promoted; yet it is now recognized that such insecticides not only damage collections, but also harm staff and readers. In fact, indirect methods of conservation through control of the environment and better handling practices are now considered to be effective, and non–toxic methods like freezing are preferred. This book should be read in conjunction with the papers presented at the Pan African Conference (mentioned above) so that the latest technologies can be noted, along with their availability and affordability.
I feel that the final section of the book — the recommendations — is the weakest. Requesting governments to legislate in favour of permanent paper is not very realistic. Nor is a request for government assistance to set up national preservation and conservation programmes. Librarians in developing countries have learnt over the past decades that they do not form a very effective lobby; indeed, government support for libraries is decreasing. However, it is possible for library professionals to embark upon awareness raising activities at institutional and national levels, and to ensure that conservation is given its rightful place in training curricula. It is possible for every librarian to ensure that handling practices are improved.
The Indiana University Africana Librarianship series gives African librarians an opportunity to publish research on some aspect of library practice in Africa. The publications are offered free of charge to libraries and librarians in Africa.
Diane Rosenberg is Dean, Faculty of Information Science, Moi University, Eldoret, Kenya.
© 1993 Diane Rosenberg.
Citation
Rosenberg, Diane, “Review of The Practice of Conservation of Library Materials in Sub–Saharan Africa, by M.E. Ojo–Igbinoba,” Third World Libraries, Volume 4, Number 1 (Fall 1993).