In 2010, the EIFL Public Library Innovation Programme (EIFL-PLIP) commissioned research to deepen understanding of the role of public libraries in Africa. The study was conducted by the social and marketing research company, TNS RMS East Africa Ltd.

The report presents key findings of the research in six countries: Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda and Zimbabwe. Findings were that most people believe public libraries have the potential to contribute to community development in important areas such as health, employment and agriculture. However, libraries are small and under-resourced, and most people associate them with traditional book lending and reference services, rather than innovation and technology.