Information Resource Center
The Information Resource Center (IRC), located in the U.S. Embassy, serves the U.S. mission to Mali by providing Malians with timely, accurate information on American politics, news and opinions, government, society, history, and culture, and on U.S. policies affecting the bilateral relationship. The IRC is staffed with three trained IRC information specialists who rely on a circulating collection of over 3500 books, videos – including feature films -- and CD-ROM databases The IRC relies on a wide variety of on-line databases via the Internet, including full-text periodical databases such as Factiva, Lexis-Nexis, and Proquest. Through these databases the IRC has up-to-the-minute access to the full text of over 10,000 magazines, newspapers, wire services, and other information sources.
The IRC provides four workstations to our patrons for on-line research. In addition to Internet resources, we offer access to commercial databases. Whether you are interested in an article about U.S. politics, wish to consult a bibliography of American Literature, or plan a trip to the United States, we stand ready to assist you in your search.
The IRC is open to the public five days a week, except on U.S and Malian official holidays. Queries are accepted by telephone, e-mail, or in person during working hours.
Additional resources:
Reference Collection: The IRC hosts a reference collection, which includes materials on U.S. institutions, American foreign policy, civil society, history, the arts, and media.
U.S. Government Documents: The IRC has access to an extensive range of U.S. government documents and publications, both in print and electronic formats.
Exhibits and displays: A selection of paper shows focused on U.S. themes are available for loan to institutions. The IRC would be happy to support your program. Please check with the IRC for a complete list of paper shows.
Video Cassettes and Recordings: The IRC is a subscriber to the ARS Paris Video/DVD Library Loan which has a large collection of videotape documentary films and feature films related to the United States. Group showings in the Embassy multipurpose room or elsewhere can be arranged. In addition, educators can borrow videotapes for classroom use. Requests for that purpose must be made at least one month ahead. Please note that, due to copyright restrictions, the IRC is not able to copy videotapes.
CD-ROM collection: In addition to print sources, the IRC has 10 full-text databases on CD-ROM with a wealth of information on the United States. These CD-ROM Databases include "The American Presidency," "Landmark Documents in American History," "Discovering Multicultural America," "The American Indians," "The History of American Literature," and "The War in Vietnam" to name a few.
Information USA: This CD-ROM is produced by the Department of State and presents an overview of the political system, economy, history, and geography of the United States with links to information that answer frequently asked questions about the U.S.
Reference Services: Our information specialists are available to assist with the use of IRC resources. For example, they can help you locate materials for academic research, guide you in online searching, or provide access to databases about the United States. They accept queries in person, by phone, fax, or e-mail.
Outreach Service: The IRC has a variety of ways of delivering information about the United State to our clients. This includes the creation of specialized information packages in response to institutional queries and to support special programs. Please contact an IRC reference specialist to help determine what service is right for your needs.
Book Presentations: The IRC regularly donates copies of American books translated into French and Arabic by the State Department Book Translation Program. This program is designed to give non-English readers access to the best in current American ideas and culture.
Working Hours:
Monday - Thursday: 8:30 – 16:30
Friday: 8:30 – 11:00
To contact the IRC, call:
Phone: (223) 20 70 24 32
(223) 20 70 24 19
(223) 20 70 24 18
e-mail: BamakoIRC@state.gov