Rhodesian Public Library Evolution: Federation Breakup and UDI (1964–1980)
The period between 1964 and 1980 marked a turbulent era for the library systems of Central Africa. As the political landscape shifted following the federation's breakup and the Unilateral Declaration of Independence (UDI), the infrastructure for public literacy and information access struggled to move beyond colonial-era constraints and fragmented administrative models.
The Limited Impact of the Federation
During the federation era, contributions to public libraries were minimal. While there were recommendations to place the Southern Rhodesia National Free Library under federal oversight, its status remained unchanged. The establishment of the Northern Rhodesia Library Services in 1962 further highlighted the federation's lack of relevance in coordinating a cohesive library strategy.
A significant barrier to progress was the persistence of subscription libraries—facilities that required a paid membership fee—particularly in Southern Rhodesia. While northern territories were phasing out this model, Southern Rhodesia's commitment to subscription-based services made the development of a coordinated, free public library system for the entire population unlikely.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Reform Efforts and Institutional Resistance
In 1962, the Rhodesia Library Association proposed a reform framework to modernize the system through shared responsibility between the government and local authorities. The proposed division of labor was as follows:
- Central Government: Responsible for central services, including the National Free Library Service and catering to small population centers.
- Local Authorities: Responsible for library services within urban areas and larger towns.
The association also urged the transfer of Book Box libraries (mobile or distributed book collections) from the Southern Rhodesia Information Service to the National Free Library to improve access for Africans across all regions. However, these proposals were rejected by the Local Government Association in 1964, which claimed there was no connection between local government and library management.
The Role of the National Free Library
The National Free Library in Bulawayo served as the primary source of common reading materials for Southern Rhodesia, Northern Rhodesia, and Nyasaland starting in 1946. Its origins were rooted in a 1939 compromise between the Southern Rhodesian Government and the Carnegie Corporation.
Under this agreement, town libraries remained subscription-based, while the National Free Library Service focused on the free loan of academic and technical books for serious study. This service began operations in 1945 in the subbasement of the Bulawayo Public Library before moving to the modern Dugald Niven Library building in 1962.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Barriers to a Centralized Network
Despite its reach, the National Free Library Service did not function as a true central library with a network of branches. Several factors prevented this integration:
- Autonomy: Town libraries continued to operate independently.
- Segregation: Social factors and laws prevented Africans in Southern Rhodesia from using town libraries as borrowers.
- Commercialization: The subscription system imposed a commercial value on book stocks, leading to a shortage of the standard books necessary for a functional public library.
Path Toward a National Documentation Service
Between 1970 and 1983, the focus shifted toward establishing a formal National Library and Documentation Service, which would include a dedicated training center. This effort was supported by a series of government-sponsored and international reports:
| Year | Sponsoring Bodies | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| 1970 | Government (Greenfield) | National Library needs |
| 1981 | Zimbabwe Library Association & British Council (Allison) | Documentation Services |
| 1982 | Zimbabwe Library Association & Swedish Library Mission (Lalloo) | National Library infrastructure |
| 1983 | Ministry of Education & British Council (Dudley) | Training and Documentation |
Key Facts
- The National Free Library in Bulawayo was the sole provider of common reading materials across three territories from 1946.
- The Dugald Niven Library building became the home of the National Free Library Service in 1962.
- Subscription-based libraries hindered the development of a free, universal public library system in Southern Rhodesia.
- African residents were historically barred from borrowing from town libraries in Southern Rhodesia.
- The Carnegie Corporation provided the initial grant to establish free loans for academic and technical books.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the primary purpose of the National Free Library Service?
It was designed to provide free loans of essential academic and technical books for serious study, distinguishing it from town libraries which focused on general and light reading via subscriptions.
Why did the Local Government Association reject the 1964 reform proposals?
The association stated that there was no connection between the functions of local government and the management of libraries.
How did the subscription library model affect book availability?
The subscription system treated library stocks as commercial assets, which resulted in a scarcity of standard books essential for a public library's role in providing literature to the general public.
What was the significance of the Book Box libraries?
They were intended to be a means of enhancing library services for Africans across all regions, though the proposal to transfer them to the National Free Library faced institutional hurdles.
Which organizations contributed to the reports on the National Library and Documentation Service?
Reports were sponsored by the Government, the Zimbabwe Library Association, the British Council, the Swedish Library Mission, and the Ministry of Education.