Mortenson Center Blog

The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation has given a three-year grant for the Center to continue working with four university libraries in Nigeria … “the Mortenson Center proposes to work with the librarians to implement the cataloging, online catalog, circulation, and website functions for the new library management system, to assist the university libraries in providing greater access to their electronic resources, and to further develop a network of libraries in Nigeria focused on cooperation, and the sharing of resources and expertise. “

The Carnegie Corporation of New York has provided funding for a three-year grant to work with seven university libraries in East and West Africa.

There are two goals for the project, they are:
Goal 1: Carnegie grantee librarians in Ghana, Nigeria, Tanzania, and Uganda will fully implement an automated library management system, which will better serve the research and learning needs of the users.
Goal 2: All institutions will develop a team of librarians trained and able to manage automation and automation-related projects in their libraries.

Addressing the Information Needs of Nigerian Researchers, Scholars, and Students: A Planning and Training Program for MacArthur Grantee University Libraries

Dates: January 1, 2006 – December 31, 2008

Objectives: To provide users of university libraries with better access to research and information materials, either in print or electronic format.

Outcomes: The project is intended to strengthen university libraries so that they can contribute to the development of robust research universities in Nigeria. Predicted outcomes for the project include

- progress toward providing better access to research and information materials for users,

- more visible and defined outreach services to the user community, and

- campus support for a strong research library.

Award: $303,000 from the MacArthur Foundation

Short-Term Visits

Dates: October 25-27, 2004, and October 24-27, 2005

Objectives: To provide continuing education for librarians from the Japan Association of Private University Libraries.

Outcomes: Librarians from private universities in Japan spent one week at the Mortenson Center, with emphasis on academic libraries and user services.

Partner: Japan Association of Private University Libraries

Award: Program funded by the Japan Association of Private University Libraries

Needs Assessment: Review of MacArthur Library Grantees’ Needs in Nigeria

Dates: January 1, 2005 – June 30, 2005

Objectives: Assess capabilities of the libraries of four MacArthur university grantees in Nigeria relating to the role of the library, level of technology, status of library automation, and staff training needs.

Outcome: Observations from the trip will be analyzed and recorded in a report (Developing Strong University Libraries in Nigeria: A Report for the MacArthur Foundation).

Award: $44,965 from the MacArthur Foundation

Needs Assessment: Review of the Carnegie Library Grantees’ Needs in Africa

Dates: January 1, 2004 – April 1, 2004

Objectives: Assess capabilities of the libraries of seven Carnegie university grantees in Ghana, Nigeria, Tanzania, and Uganda relating to technology, facilities, library services to users, and staff training needs.

Outcomes: Mortenson Center staff visited seven grantees and prepared a report (Opportunities and Challenges for the Academic Libraries of Carnegie Grantees in East and West Africa) for the Carnegie Corporation on challenges and opportunities for the libraries and professional development needs and recommendations for librarians to create excellent libraries.

Award: $42,600 from the Carnegie Corporation