Public Library politics: the Ugandan perspective

Abstract

This paper provides the Ugandan perspective of the public library politics. It reports the views of politicians, civil servants and library association leaders regarding role of the public library and information services in Uganda and especially in the decision making process in government, democratic process in the country, and its contribution to the economic development and to policy priorities. The data was collected through literature review and a survey using questionnaires. The historical development of the public library is included as background to the study. Views resulting from the debate in the Ugandan parliament on public library services are included. Findings show the feelings of respondents on the importance and problems affecting the public library services. Recommendations provide a basis for public library development in the country.