Extension Library

The Extension Library is the department responsible for Mobile Library Services (MLS). The MLS is the most acclaimed pro-poor, rural, outreach, public library service programme in Ghana. But it became defunct in 1980s due to lack of funds. It was however, reintroduced in August, 2007 on a pilot basis to cover 60 communities in 20 selected districts across the country. The government of Ghana, with the kind assistance of the National Commission on UNESCO, purchased a total of 10 mobile vans. Each regional library was allocated a van for the purpose of running the MLS. The focus is currently on the 60 deprived, rural and sub-urban communities in the 20 pilot districts which have no access to static public libraries. Also, peri-urban schools benefit from the MLS. The strategic objective of the MLS is to bridge the in-country information divide. It seeks to provide effective and efficient public library services to communities that do not have access to static libraries in order to meet their information, educational, research and recreational needs. Its major aim is to support government’s initiatives on access to quality education. Specifically the Mobile Library Service seeks: 1. To support teaching in basic and senior high schools especially in rural and peri-urban communities without static libraries. 2. To sustain the newly acquire literacy skills by providing relevant literacy materials to Neo-literates 3. To support distance learning programmes in communities. 4. To disseminate information on government policy initiatives by providing access to government publications. 5. To monitor and evaluate the impact MLS on the lives of clients and the development of affected communities. Products and Services Bringing information materials to the door steps of our clientele: these include: - Books i.e. fiction and nonfiction for both adults and children. The book’s cover almost all facets of knowledge. - Periodicals/serials: journals, magazines etc. Orientation is given to the users on: • Guidelines on the use of the library. • Membership and borrowing procedures • Care and custody of books • Information retrieval: library and reading skills and how to make effect use of the library. • Advisory services to individual users on their information needs. • Quick reference and referral services. • Selective dissemination of information i.e. topical, national development issues and opportunities.