This paper describes the situation of the information user in the developing countries of Africa; discusses the role of information resources in national development; delineates the most important functions of national libraries with respect to information dissemination and information utilization; explores the relationship between financial support, governance, and authority within institutions such as libraries; and examines in detail the concept of a national library in the context of the developing country, taking the role of the academic library at the University of Zambia within the Zambian social and economic environment as a case in point. A reference list is included. (JL)