Purpose -The aim of the research was to find out if the work environment of professional librarians in the five state-owned university libraries in Ghana encouraged continuing professional development (CPD) and to discover who the librarians felt should be responsible for this. Design/methodology/approach -The research was carried out among professional librarians in the five state-owned university libraries in Ghana. The study was to find out if their work environment encouraged CPD. The study further investigated who the employees felt should be responsible for their CPD. The importance of a plan for effective CPD was also discussed. Finally, benefits of CPD to the individual professional were looked at. The survey method was used. The instruments for data collection were the questionnaire and interviews. Findings -The study found that the library environment in the state-owned universities was supportive to a large extent of CPD. The study revealed that the professional librarian's involvement in CPD was a shared responsibility of the library and the individual. Some benefits derived from CPD by the professional librarians were job advancement and updated skills leading to competence. Originality/value -It is hoped that the study will encourage library management especially in universities to consider formulating and writing down CPD policies and also to adopt management styles that will make them "learning organisations."

The study investigated the factors that influence the choice of librarianship as a course of study at the diploma level in Ghana. The study also sought to find out if interest had been engendered in librarianship after enrolling for the course and whether the students intended pursuing the course further to develop a career in librarianship. The population surveyed was the Diploma I & II classes of the Department of Information Studies, University of Ghana who were admitted in 2005/2006 and 2006/2007 academic years. Using data obtained through questionnaires, the study sought for information relating to their background, factors influencing the choice of librarianship, interest in librarianship and pursuing librarianship as a career. The findings revealed that various factors account for the choice of librarianship. These factors were mainly external with an opportunity for further education being the most prevalent. Other factors included association with librarians, experience in library work, a liking for books and the need for career change.

The study looked into the level of awareness and involvement in Continuing Professional Development (CPD) by professional librarians in the five state-owned university libraries in Ghana. The study also considered factors hindering and motivating participation in CPD activities. The survey approach was used. Findings revealed that majority of the population was aware of CPD and was involved in it to some extent. Respondents were generally motivated to pursue CPD. Funding stood out as the biggest obstacle to pursuing CPD activities.

PurposeAims to summarise a study of the extent of use of the internet and its services at a library in Ghana.Design/methodology/approachThis is a descriptive summary. The study, which was undertaken within a one‐month period, was at the Balme Library, University of Ghana.FindingsThe findings indicate that among the services, e‐mail is the highest used, followed by the use for research. The least use of the internet was for e‐mail/browsing.Originality/valueThis is of interest to library and information management professionals, particularly those interested in information work in Africa.

No abstract