About Africa Access

Africa Access is a non-profit 501 (c)(3) educational association. Since 1989 we have been working to expand American perspectives on Africa. Our primary goal is to improve the selection and use of accurate, balanced materials on Africa in schools, public libraries, and other institutions that serve children. Our services and initiatives are listed below.

Africa Access Review

Africa Access Review is a free online bibliographic and review database that contains over 1,000 reviews and annotations of children's materials on Africa. Our reviewers are university professors, librarians, and teachers. Most have lived in Africa and have graduate degrees in African Studies. Africa Access Review is a collective response to the critical need for authoritative information about children's materials on Africa. Studies have repeatedly shown that U.S. libraries that serve children often contain biased and stereotypical materials on Africa. Our reviews help libraries build accurate, balanced collections on Africa. Visit the Africa Access home page and click on Database.

Consulting Connection

Africa Access provides consulting services for K-12 educators and writers who are creating materials on Africa. We help writers locate African Studies scholars who can evaluate manuscripts and provide important feedback and suggestions. Requests for consulting services should be sent to AfricaAccess@aol.com.
Research Africa / Reading & Research Activities

Africa Access provides field-tested K-12 library research projects on Africa. Teachers and library media specialists can use these projects to teach content on Africa and information literacy skills. Visit the Africa Access home page and click on Research Africa!

Children's Africana Book Awards (CABA)

In 1991 Africa Access persuaded the African Studies Association to establish awards for the best children's books on Africa. The awards focus specifically on children books about Africa published in the United States. Since 1991, 38 awards have been presented to authors and illustrators of outstanding books. The awards are presented in two categories: Best Book for Young Children and the Best Book for Older Readers. Honor books receive special certificates. The awards are announced in the Spring at the Library of Congress. Visit the CABA web page or the Africa Access home page and click on CABA.

Africana Book Buddies

In the fall of 2004, Africa Access launched a new reading and literacy initiative. The Africana Book Buddies Club targets children ages 5 -18 but also includes adults. Children, young people, and the general public are encouraged to read outstanding books on Africa. There are four age-level lists of suggested titles. All books on the list have been reviewed and recommended by African studies scholars. Participants who read the required number of books will receive certificates and rewards. Visit the Africa Access home page and click on Africana Book Buddies.

Director
Brenda Randolph, M.A., M.L.S.

Publicity

Harriet McGuire