Information Resource Center

IRC Mission, Policies and Hours

The mission of the U.S. Embassy's Information Resource Center (IRC) - Library is to provide accurate, comprehensive and timely information about the United States -- its policies and society.

This mission will be carried out in a variety of ways, emphasizing outreach by means of the Selective Distribution of Information to specific individuals and organization consistent with the emphases of the Mission Program Plan. 

The mission also includes a modest reference function. To the extent time permits, the IRC will also support the Embassy's Commercial Service.

Before being admitted to the IRC, researchers must demonstrate to the IRC assistant on duty that the project is a legitimate research project and that the needed materials are likely to be found in the IRC.

The OPA Information Resource Center is the research and reference service of the Office of Public Affairs, specializing in current U.S. policy, legislation, trade, social and cultural issues.

The IRC emphasizes electronic information resources rather than books. The collection is non-circulating; most of the materials are reference  which are regularly updated. Although just a few periodicals are received in hard copy, the full text of approximately 600 periodicals are available online.

The advantage of information in electronic format is that searches for specific information can be made more easily and quickly. A collection of data sources on laser disks provides quick access, and this is supplemented by access to the Internet, including the Lexis-Nexis and Factiva.

The IRC librarian provides quick reference assistance and research, utilising these print and digital sources. Queries are accepted by telephone, e-mail, fax or in person (by appointment) during users' hours. Training/demonstration sessions on the resources and services of the IRC can be arranged for groups upon request.