Information Resource Center

The Information Resource Center (IRC) of the American Cultural Center is located at 498 Colonel Lukusa Ave. facing the Shell station (not far from Citibank) in Gombe. Our objective is to help you better understand the United States, its politics, society and values. We provide modern services using new communiation technologies.

COLLECTION

Our collection on American culture is made up of printed materials including over 2,000 books in English and French, 60 journals and newspapers and electronic resources that cover the following themes:

• Bi-lateral USA-DRC relations
• Democracy and the Rule of Law
• Administration and management
• EconomicsAmerican politics
• American society and culture

To highlight the US government’s interest in the Rule of Law, sustained through an honest and efficient judicial system and ethical, professional standards for journalists, the IRC devotes part of its collection and space for legal and journalist professionals, which include an important collection on America’s and Congo’s penal and civil codes, among other useful items. 

SERVICES

The IRC provides outreach, reference, information technology and other research services to Congolese seeking information about the United States and related subject emphasis.

Outreach

The IRC offers selected Congolese public a bi-monthly Article Alert service, an announcement of new articles of leading US magazines and newspapers concerning the topics above.  Users can select those they want to read, which will be reproduced and delivered to them.  We also offer a Table of Contents service, providing full Table of Contents pages to occasional Department of State magazines, from which our audience can also request selected articles. 

Reference services

IRC staff responds to requests for information on the United States by telephone, fax, electronic mail, or by mail.  They also respond to those who come to the center, and help them identify the best sources we have available to assist in their particular research. 

Information Technology

Using 21st century methods of research, the IRC offers users access to new information and communication technologies, including CD-ROM and the Internet.  The IRC can offer Internet training to users to help them enter the new world of the Internet and the World Wide Web.

Other services

Throughout the year, or in order to highlight special events, the Center produces bibliographies of its collections relevant to a certain topic.  Users may also request special bibliographies within our collection guidelines from IRC staff.
The “USINFO File” is a compendium of articles on US foreign affairs and selected domestic affairs, produced daily in English and French, by the Office of International Information Programs of the Department of State in Washington.  Members of the public who are interested in the foreign policy of the United States can be directed to online Internet sites, including the “USINFO File” and many others.

AUDIENCE

The IRC, by virtue of the focus of its collection, is open to professionals in the following areas:

• Government officials and civil servants
• Legal professionals
• Journalists
• Academic instructors
• Non-governmental organization and Civil society organizations

Post-graduate finalists, engaged in final research projects, who are enrolled at a recognized institution of higher learning, may use the IRC with a letter from their faculty advisor describing the nature of the project.  All other categories of the public are kindly referred to our American Corners in Kinshasa and Lubumbashi

HOURS OF SERVICE

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday                          10:00 to 15:00
Wednesday: Internet training, by appointment  10:00 to 12:00
                                                                13:30 to 15:30
Friday                                                        No public service
Saturday, Sunday, American and local holidays  Closed

As noted, the Information Resource Center (IRC) is your portal to the United States and the world.

Contact:

Tel: (243) (0) 81-880-3797 or/and (0) 81-556-0151, Ext. 2161/2163
Fax: ((243) (0) 81-556-0175
E-mail: mesaan@state.gov and mukengeshayak@state.gov