This special edition of the Ghana Library Journal features six carefully selected papers from an international conference hosted by the Department of Information Studies, University of Ghana. Held from October 30 to 31, 2024, under the theme “Fostering Research on Information Behaviour and Digital Literacy in Africa,” the conference attracted a diverse community of scholars, practitioners, and policymakers. Organised in a hybrid format, the event welcomed participants from across Africa and beyond, reflecting the global relevance and reach of its core themes.
A highlight of the proceedings was the keynote address delivered by Professor Wole Michael Olatokun of the University of Ibadan, whose insights offered a foundation for the conference’s central theme. The event also proudly welcomed Emeritus Professor Anaba A. Alemna of the University of Ghana as guest speaker, whose distinguished contributions to the field and ongoing mentorship were warmly acknowledged by participants. Throughout plenary sessions, breakout groups, and post-panel dialogues, the conference sparked rich conversations across a wide array of topics: from the rise of open access and AI-powered archives to the evolving role of libraries as digital learning spaces, and the practical challenges of data protection in public services.
What emerged was a shared commitment to building inclusive, responsive, and ethically grounded information systems for the continent. The six contributions presented in this volume reflect the breadth of insight exchanged during the conference, each examining how human experience, digital tools, and information environments intersect and evolve.
We begin with the tide of open science rising across the continent. Through a bibliometric analysis of scholarly output, we see new partnerships being formed, new platforms embraced, and knowledge becoming increasingly shared and accessible. This is not just about access, it is about ownership. African voices are becoming more visible and valued in the global conversation, and the need to strengthen research infrastructure, funding, and inclusive publishing practices is more urgent than ever.
In tandem, our libraries have stepped into new roles. Far beyond book lending, they are now digital learning spaces and safe havens of reliable information. The review presented here showcases how libraries are delivering digital skills, training, compiling e-resources, and guiding communities through the noise of the information age. But they need recognition, support, and investment to truly thrive.
In a forward-looking proposal paper, we see how human-AI collaboration can revolutionise archival
preservation. By ethically applying artificial intelligence to unlock so-called “dark archives,” this initiative aims to illuminate overlooked histories, stories that are vital to national identity and collective memory.
A case study on Ghana’s e-tax system follows, spotlighting the delicate balance between data protection, user trust, and digital literacy. The authors argue for a more people - centered approach to public engagement, positioning citizens not as passive users, but as active co-creators in their own digital futures. We then turn to healthcare, where digital communication tools such as telemedicine and patient portals are improving service delivery at the Civil Service Clinic. The study celebrates these advances, while also cautioning against reduced personal connection and digital exclusion - particularly for vulnerable populations.
Finally, we encounter the photographic archive of Gerald Annan Forson, whose imagery captures Ghana’s
socio-political transformation over two pivotal decades. The paper explores how these photographs have become powerful tools for civic education, cultural revival, and intergenerational learning.
As Africa navigates an increasingly digital and interconnected era, the insights presented in this volume remind us that lasting transformation is rooted not just in technology, but in community collaboration, and shared purpose. It is our hope that this edition informs ongoing research, inspires new partnerships, and strengthens the collective pursuit of knowledge as a tool for empowerment.
Published: 2025-12-10
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