- To publicize and encourage greater use of the wealth of Africa-related books, pamphlets, periodicals, and audiovisual resources that have been produced and are being distributed by individuals and organizations in Africa and elsewhere.

- To magnify the voices of those whose perspectives on Africa are not now adequately represented in the mainstream media and in materials used in libraries and schools in countries like the United States.

- To encourage critical examination of the root causes of the "problems" that are often associated with Africa (e.g., hunger, refugees, militarism) but, at the same time, to balance these with a celebration of the history, the accomplishments and the visions of Africa's peoples.

There are 28 chapters and each one introduces concise bibliographical essays on the most recommended printed materials (subdivided into books / pamphlets and serial publications), audiovisual materials (subdivided into visual and audio resources) and organizations. The essays list and compare various resources. The back portion of the directory contains three composite listings of these resources.