Research directly related to FAVL
The cost of getting books read in rural Africa: Estimates from a survey of library use in Burkina Faso
Dr. Alain Sissao and FAVL Co-Director for West Africa Michael Kevane find that secondary school children in two villages with FAVL-supported libraries are reading about double the books that students in other villages are reading. On almost every measure students in these villages reported reading more. The preliminary results are from a survey of eight villages and almost 800 students.
Fulbright New Century Scholars Program: Kate Parry
FAVL Co-Director for East Africa Kate Parry has conducted extensive research on reading and literacy in Africa. This link is to her 2007-08 Fulbright Scholar research program.

Guides to setting up village libraries
Guide to setting up a village library prepared by Laura Wendell, and remains an excellent resource. Available in French.

Research on public libraries in Africa
Public Libraries in Africa: A Report and Annotated Bibliography by Aissa Issak

Research and information on French West African public libraries
Bulletin des Bibliothèques de France: Official journal of French library system, occasional articles on African libraries
La Joie par les livres: A French governmental organization dedicated to improving children’s reading and literature. With a big interest in Africa
Africultures Special issue devoted to the book in Africa- especially on book production and distribution, but some nice things about libraries
La donation du livre pour le développement [in French]

Research and information on public libraries in developed countries
Are Librarians Really Worth It? Website discussing the issue in the context of the United States.
Library Research Service, a website offering library statistics and analysis for the United States, with focus on school and public libraries.
Mortenson Center for International Library Programs ... at the University of Illinois
British library history project. Data on every library in Britain until 1850. Amazing.
The British government site devoted to libraries, museums and archives. Lots of interesting stuff.
A librarian in New Zealand who has done interesting research on the history of public libraries

Academic journals devoted to study of public libraries
Libraries & Culture, a delightful journal on the history of libraries
World Libraries, an electronic journal that focuses on global library issues

Non-profits that ship donated books to African libraries
Book Aid International: Aids African libraries and schools with books
Books for Africa: Aids African libraries and schools with books
African Library Project: Promotes school libraries in Africa

Non-profits that promote small public libraries around the world
Riecken Foundation: Promotes libraries in Central America
Osu Children's Library Fund: Promotes public libraries in Ghana
Room to Read: Promotes school libraries around the world
UNESCO libraries portal: Portal to all things library