Africa: Getting Started with Research

Welcome! This guide is intended to provide  some resources and methods for beginning your research on Africa. Visit the African Studies Library virtually or in person. Check out current journals, talk to library staff with experience in the study of Africa, and get started in the right direction.

Choose one of the options on the left to get started…

The African Studies Library (ASL) was founded in 1953 and is located on the 6th floor of the Mugar Memorial Library, accessible by the North elevator. Our primary function is to support Boston University’s African Studies Center and all undergraduate, graduate, and faculty research on Africa. Students and faculty from area institutions and the general public are welcome to consult our extensive collections. In addition to our circulating Africana collections, the ASL also houses several special collections. Our staff provides a variety of services including reference assistance, library orientation and instruction, and individual consultations 

The circulating collection is available during the open hours of Mugar Library.  Reference materials and special collections (including maps) are accessible during the open hours of the African Studies Library.