Problems Facing Public Library Service in Sierra Leone: A State-of-the-Art

ABSTRACT Libraries improve the quality of life in a community. They are purveyors of knowledge and information. Public libraries are closer to their communities than any other libraries. They are centres for community activities, training of illiterates and semi-literates, and places for independent learning. They also provide materials for recreational activities. In Sierra Leone, however, the public library is faced with numerous problems which have threatened its very existence. There has been drastic budget cuts, thereby reducing the public library to a donations centre. Against this background, this article examines the problems faced by public library services in the country.