Globalization a disservice to human development in Africa: the impact of ICT

Abstract

Libraries in Africa are a product of the underdevelopment of the continent. To understand the current state of libraries in Africa it is important to appreciate the broader ramifications of global machinations and, in particular, the impact of globalization on the African continent. Rather than concentrate on libraries per se the paper attempt to demonstrate how globalization has diminished prospects for human development in Africa. The paper expounds on inequalities that have emanated from the integration of world economies but focuses on how adoption of ICT has failed to make meaningful contributions to uplift the social and economic circumstances of the majority of the population in Africa. In the same light diffusion of ICT in libraries has only produced half measures, at best. In many instances it has been a flop.