The potential impact of establishing a national library on library and information services in Mauritius

This dissertation studies the general issue of the establishment of a national library in the existing library and information environment of the Republic of Mauritius. The Mauritius National Library Act enacted by the Parliament in December 1996 is analysed section by section to see how appropriate the provisions are for the achievement of the objectives of the National Library. Comparisons are also made with relevant section of the national library laws of other countries where the latter can serve as examples within the Mauritian context. The potential impact of the establishment of the National Library on the development of library and information services in Mauritius is then discussed by analysing and interpreting data obtained from a review of the available literature, and from study visits and discussions in libraries in Mauritius and in the national libraries of Scotland and Wales. The general conclusion is that there is a necessity for the implementation of the Mauritius National Library Act as soon as possible and recommendations are also made for the smooth implantation of the National Library of Mauritius within the local library and information environment.