Indigenous knowledge and library work in Sierra Leone

Indigenous knowledge is vital information that is sadly diminishing at an alarming rate in Sierra Leone. There is, therefore, an urgent need to collect it before much of it is completely lost. This article explores the concept of indigenous knowledge and indigenous knowledge systems with a particular focus on Sierra Leone. Definitions and explanations of the concept are given and their importance for developing countries is stressed. The type of knowledge that falls within the definitions is listed and its significance for Sierra Leone is explored. The application of intellectual property rights to this type of knowledge is analysed. The article ends with an evaluation of the role that librarians, as information officers, should play in documenting and disseminating indigenous knowledge in the country.