In recent years the enhanced academic interest in all things African has resulted in a flood of books and articles which in most disciplines have generously supplemented the previously meagre published works. This has been as marked in West African economic and business history as elsewhere but much remains to be done and this brief article is designed to assist those who are either contemplating or just beginning their research in these fields.

An obvious first step is to examine the bibliographies of studies that have been completed in the past few years. This should include reference to both published works such as A. G. HOPKINS, An Economic History of West Africa, and my own The Trade Makers, and to theses which have not yet appeared in print. A useful example of this latter type is the Ph.D. produced by A. OLORUNFEMI at the University of Birmingham entitled Anglo-German Commercial Rivalry in West Africa.

The Library collection was formed on the establishment of the Institute of Colonial Studies by University Statute in 1945. The moving spirit behind the formation was the doyenne of British Africanists, Margery Perham (later Dame Margery), who became the first Director and a prinicpal benefactor. The Library's first home was at 10 Keble Road.

In 1956 the Institute was renamed Commonwealth Studies basically because the word “Colonial” was no longer in vogue, and because it did not adequately describe the work done in the Institute which was naturally reflected in the material held by the Library. Then in 1960 the Institute, while retaining its identity and University responsbilities, moved with its Library, Office, and academic personnel into its present home, Queen Elizabeth House at 21 St. Giles.