This directory serves as a comprehensive guide to documentation, library, and archive services across the African continent. It aims to consolidate information that is often fragmented, providing a centralized resource for researchers, institutions, and individuals seeking to access or understand the archival and information landscape of Africa.

This directory is a factual compilation intended for professional use, likely valued by librarians, archivists, and researchers specializing in African studies or information science. Its utility lies in its comprehensive scope for its time, providing essential contact and service information for institutions across a continent where such data was not readily available. The work's authority stems from its direct cataloging of services, offering a foundational resource for understanding the infrastructure of knowledge preservation and access in Africa during the period of its publication.