Information Resource Center

General Presentation

The Information Resource Center (IRC) is a component of the Public Affairs Section of the U.S. Embassy in Yaounde. It is a public lending library for students, the academia and the general public, and a reference / research center, which provides comprehensive and authoritative information on the United States to those who need to make informed decisions.

IRC Resources  

The IRC is equipped with both print and electronic resources on various subjects such as the media, government and politics, economics, the environment, social and security issues, the rule of law and civic education, arts, history and literature with special emphasis on U.S society and culture.

The Book Collection

The IRC has about 3000 volumes in both the English and French languages. This collection includes approximately 400 specialized reference books.

Periodical & Newspaper Collection

The IRC subscribes to more than 50 general and specialized periodicals in English and French, including scholarly journals and current American newspapers.

Online Databases

The IRC subscriptions also include several online databases covering a range of sources and subjects in mostly full-text format: Lexis-Nexis, Factiva, the Foundation Directory, Ralph J. Bunche online resources, to name a few.

Apart from in-depth and specialized searches for target audiences, the IRC provides quick reference services on contacts, addresses, simple statistics, biographical information, professional and non-governmental associations, and articles in specific areas.

Reference queries can be made in person during business hours, or by mail, fax or telephone at the address above.

Business Hours

The IRC is open during the following times:

Members:

Mondays to Wednesdays: 09:00 to 16:00
Thursdays: 09:00 to 12:00

Other users without membership cards should call the number below to book appointment to visit the IRC on Mondays through Thursday.

The IRC is not open on U.S. and Cameroon official holidays.

Membership

Membership is granted on an individual basis to persons over the age 18. It may not be transferred, nor may the membership card be loaned to another person.

For University Students:

• a valid student ID card or receipt of payment of fees for the current academic year
• two passport-size photographs
• a national ID card or passport
• a postage stamp of CFA 125
• address and telephone number of a guardian in Yaounde

For Professionals:

• an employee or professional card
• two passport-size photographs
• a national ID card
• a postage stamp of CFA 125
• address and telephone number in Yaounde

A member must present his/her library card when visiting the library. There is a processing fee of CFA 1,000 for a membership card. A lost membership card will be replaced at a cost of CFA 500.

IRC Library Services

Valid membership card holders may borrow up to two books for two weeks on a renewable basis. Reservations for books on loan can be made at the circulation desk. A bibliography of books in a specific subject area can be printed from the automated circulation system for a small fee.

For further information, please contact:

The Information Resource Center
Public Affairs Section, American Embassy
Avenue Rosa Parks
P.O. Box 817, Yaounde, Cameroon
Phone: (237) 2220 1500 Ext. 4207, 4117, 4021, 4168 & 4340
Fax: (237) 2220 1402