An overview of libraries in developing nations examines in general terms their historical development during their colonial and post-independence periods and discusses the more salient factors affecting development. These factors include language, distribution of population, topography, poor communication, level of formal education, illiteracy, agricultural and mining-based economies, poor image of the library profession, lack of the reading habit, lack of suitable reading materials, reliance on foreign books, foreign exchange restrictions, the custodial concept of librarianship, censorship, and oral tradition. (RAA)