The role of the forestry research institute of Ghana’s library in socio-economic development

The world has been daunted with many challenges especially that of poverty over the centuries. In order to confront these challenges more effectively, research institutions have been established by various governments (both developed and developing economies) with the aim of facilitating social development. Countries that have contributed greater percentages of their Gross Domestic Products (GDP) to research stand tall in socio-economic development among nations, while those that have contributed smaller percentages are confronted with many developmental challenges. Libraries in research institutions play an important role in mobilizing needed information for socio-economic development. Research is built upon existing knowledge. Libraries are the beginning and end of research activities. Perceived ideas for research are derived from available knowledge which the library stocks and enhances its dissemination. A research library continuously assembles, process, preserves and disseminates the evidence of research. Research and education are substantially improved when pursued in an environment with a library that provides access to deep and broad collections. Research libraries are mandated to build rich discipline-based collections in all formats (from manuscripts to digital objects) and to organize them to facilitate research. This paper examines the role of the Forestry Research Institute of Ghana’s Library in the socio-economic transformation of Ghana