Leveraging Natural Skills to Overcome Traditional Ways in a Third World Library

Abstract

On March 1, 1985, my appointment began as the Supervisory Librarian at the American Cultural Center Library in Niamey, Niger. It operated as a reading room. In my new position, different ways were adopted to change the library's outlook. With the arrival of different directors, the library was restructured. New equipment was installed and services were offered to the general public. During the first Gulf War, the Center was attacked. The library was closed for more than a year. After relocating to a different neighborhood, outreach activities were organized to attract patrons. The library is called the “Rosa Parks Library.”

Key Words:

• American Cultural Center
• Niamey
• Niger
• supervisory librarian
• Gulf War
• Rosa Parks Library