Documentation and integration of indigenous knowledge in public libraries for inclusive information services in Ghana

Abstract

The dominance of colonial supremacy and foreign knowledge has become persistent in many African public libraries and knowledge acquisition, including Ghana. Hence, some of the local communities' information needs may be denied due to public libraries' inability to supply indigenous knowledge (IK). This study, therefore, sought to assess the documentation and integration of IK in public libraries in Ghana. This study adopted the interpretive research paradigm using a qualitative case study design. Regional directors of public libraries were the target participants. Data for this study were collected with the aid of an interview guide and analysed using thematic content analysis. The study found that, generally, current collection development policies do not sufficiently cover the documentation and integration of IK in public libraries, except in a few cases. Where IK is supported, this is done at two levels: (1) Through support for the availability of IK in libraries and (2) support for staff development to deal with IK in public libraries. In addition, professional staff development, budget allocation for the purchase and provision of materials, and the creation of a conducive environment for IK owners and other patrons who wish to document IK in public libraries were revealed as the efforts put in place by public libraries to support IK documentation and integration.