A library for Bukoba. Addressing the divide in Tanzania

Abstract

The Bukoba, Tanzania community is embarking on an extraordinary journey – its first library. This paper was written to document Community Solutions for Africa’s Development’s (COSAD) story and experience, a non-profit organization working to bring a library to Bukoba. It is a qualitative case study, completed through discussion, online research, a semester long independent study, and library consultation, exploring the following: sustainability for libraries and community programs; electronic access and its challenges (including available access programs, such as HINARI and AGORA); and the very foundation of this library’s aim and purpose – addressing the vast information and digital divide, both of which influence the current standard of living in Tanzania.