Services & Products

The Information Resource Center (IRC) has replaced the traditional USIS library. It is now the research and reference service of the Public Affairs Section. The IRC is equipped to do research in current U.S. affairs and in global issues, such as trade and business, environment, democracy and human rights, information and communication technology, and social and cultural issues.

The IRC in Cotonou has a collection of approximately 5,000 volumes comprising about 3385 circulating titles and 688 reference sources. 70% of the collection is in French. It also maintains a periodical collection of 56 titles. The IRC focuses on Electronic Information Resources and is progressively replacing paper reference sources with online versions, CD-ROMS and other online databases. The IRC currently has a collection of 54 CD-ROMS and subscribes to several commercial online services.

The IRC Director and IRC Assistant provide reference and research assistance, utilizing print and digital sources. Queries are accepted by telephone, e-mail, fax or in person (by appointment) during business hours.

Training/demonstration sessions of resources and services provided by the IRC may be arranged for groups upon request.

Membership

Membership is free and open to Secondary School students (Seconde to Terminale) and all adults at least 18 years old. All patrons must be residents of Benin. One passport sized photograph and a valid identity card, or a passport and two stamped envelopes, are required to complete registration.

Services

• Book lending
• On-site consultation
• Consultation with other libraries
• Bibliographies / Book Exhibits
• Library instructions
• Training in websearching
• Consultation of CD-ROMS
• Reading area of 95 seats
• Commercial information

Books

One third of our collection is in English and two thirds are in French, with a focus on American Studies, Literature, Management, Law, Journalism, Media, Democracy, and Human Rights.

Periodicals

The library subscribes to 13 periodicals in English and 7 in French, including The Economist, Essence, Black Enterprise, Afrique Magazine, l’Expansion Management Review, Foreign Policy, Pour la Science, American Libraries.

Hours Of Operation
Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday 8:30 a.m. - 12:30p.m. and 1.30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Wednesday 1:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.  - Friday 8.30 a.m. - 12.30 p.m.

Phone: (229) 21 30 03 12 - Fax : (229) 21 30 03 84
Boulevard de France
Près du Conseil de l’Entente
01 B.P. 2012 Cotonou - Benin
Email: irccotonou@state.gov