A New Star in the Indian Ocean: The National Library of Mauritius

Abstract

The National Library of Mauritius, formally inaugurated in December 1999, is considered in the context of the history of national libraries in general, and in particular of the debate surrounding the functions of national libraries in the developing world that gained momentum in the 1960s. The paper examines the provision of library services in the colonial period, and describes their growth since the country's political independence, culminating in the creation of the National Library. The Library's functions, governance, collections and services are outlined. The Library now has an Action Plan that sets ambitious short-, medium- and long-term objectives, including improved public services, investment in training and equipment, and the construction of several purpose-built library complexes.