The library's collection of books focuses primarily on southern Africa and publications originating from the region. Its holdings of publications printed in Namibia since the early 1950s are probably the most extensive outside Africa. The collection contains publications in European and African languages and emphasises the social sciences and humanities. The rare-book collection of early accounts of European explorations covers the whole of sub-Saharan Africa. Special attention is being given to material documenting the history of the Swiss in Africa.
The collection of periodicals includes both colonial and current titles, some of which are not to be found in other institutions in Switzerland. Current periodicals from southern Africa include newspapers, community newsletters, business bulletins and scientific journals.
The collection of bibliographies is intended to cover all major geographic regions and subject issues concerning sub-Saharan Africa. They enable us to maintain the original purpose of the institution, i.e. to provide bibliographical information to researchers and others interested in Africa.
The archival collection consists of several sections. One section primarily holds personal papers of individuals from Namibia and Switzerland. Another section consists of press cuttings and grey literature (pamphlets, reports, posters, etc.) from southern Africa and includes material from various Anti-Apartheid movements. Printed material concerning "SWAPO of Namibia" is regarded as extensive. In addition, a small collection of historical photographs from Namibia is being kept. The map collection contains 800 maps on Namibia, at present on loan to the Institute of Geography of the University of Basel. Reference guides on all archival holdings are available to researchers.
Our own publications form part of our effort to promote knowledge and encourage research on Africa. Since 1971 more than 70 titles have been published, some of which are now considered to be standard texts on their subject.
Occasional publications include dissertations, reprints, and working papers.
Bibliophiles will find out second-hand bookshop particularly attractive. It has become a meeting point of people interested in Africa and a window ot the street inviting passers-by to come in, browse through the shelves and have a chat.
The Basler Afrika Bibliographien (BAB) houses the only Namibia Resource Centre in Europe and the only Southern Africa Library in Switzerland. Established in 1971 by Carl Schlettwein as a private research institution, it forms today part of a foundation whose aim it is to encourage research on Africa in general and southern Africa in particular.
Our institution collects a wide range of published and unpublished materials and publishes scholarly works on Africa. We maintain links with scholars and institutions in and outside Africa and regularly invite researchers for lectures.
The premises of the Basler Afrika Bibliographien are open to the
public:
Tuesday - Friday: 14:00 - 18:00
By prior arrangement the premises can be visited at other times as
well.
All materials from the library and archives must be used on the premises. Books are not issued on loan. On request, the staff will photocopy material.
Address
Basler Afrika Bibliographien
Klosterberg 21
4051 Basel
Switzerland
bab@bluewin.ch
Tel. (+41) 061/271 33 45
Fax (+41) 061/271 31 55
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