The Information Resource Center (IRC) is a component of the Public Affairs Section of the U.S. Embassy in Yaounde. It is both 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 6000 volumes in both the English and French languages. This collection includes approximately 900 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.

CD-ROMs
The IRC regularly acquires new CD-ROMs which can be accessed from several computers in the IRC reading area.

Online Databases
The IRC subscriptions also include several Online databases covering a range of sources and subjects in mostly full-text format:

• PROQUEST, First Search, EBSCO (Full-text articles from thousands of American journals and newspapers)
• PDQ (U.S. Policy Documents)
• Lexis-Nexis, Dow Jones (Legislation by Federal and State government)
• Galenet (News, transcripts, etc.)
• InfoUSA (General information about the U.S.)

Apart from indepth 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:

Premium members:

Mondays to Wednesdays: 09:00 to 16:00

Thursdays: 09:00 to 12:00

Other members:
Mondays to Wednesdays: 11:00 to 16:00

Thursdays: 09:00 to 12:00

Walk-in users may visit the IRC on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 09:00 to 16:00, and on Thursdays from 09:00 to 12:00.

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.

• 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

• 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.

Premium membership cards are blue in color. Other members have yellow membership cards.

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.

IRC Orientation

Orientation tours are conducted by request. Please call in advance to schedule special orientation programs.

For further information, please contact:

The Information Resource Center Director
Public Affairs Section, American Embassy
794, rue de Narvick
P.O. Box 817, Yaounde, Cameroon
Phone: (237) 223 14 37 or 222-25-89 - Ext. 4162
Fax: (237) 222 67 65