Zimbabwe Library Association - 48th Conference & AGM, Victorial Falls, 24-27 June 2014

Main Theme: ‘Working smarter and adding value: Library services in a new paradigm‘ 

3rd Call for Papers

The Internet, with its array of new media technologies has opened a new world to information seekers from academics, researchers, business communities and even those with a casual information need. The increasing Internet penetration as a means of communication has resulted in the flourishing of digital publishing and increased capacity of individuals to access vast amounts of information. It has also provided the means for new connected virtual communities to develop across the world. This development has resulted in many regarding the library as an antiquated institution from another period  no longer relevant and easily targeted for budget cuts and low prioritisation. Libraries are also attracting criticism from people who argue that technology has made them obsolete. The question that arise from these views is; ‘Is the library still playing an indispensable role in today’s information society?’

It is against this backdrop that the Zimbabwe Library Association (ZimLA) invites interested professionals from the broad, interdisciplinary Library and Information Science field to submit abstracts of papers to be presented at its 48th conference and AGM. These papers should attempt to address the above main theme but stemming from, but not necessarily limited to the sub-themes listed below.

Sub-Themes

• Innovation in library services
• Information literacy and lifelong learning

          - In different types of libraries
          - Approaches/models in academic and school curricula
          - As a vital life skill
          - In protecting Intellectual property and Copyright

• Embedded librarianship
• Responsiveness to changing information and technology landscape
• Information brokering and info-preneurship
• Community librarianship
• Library out-reach services
• Corporate librarianship
• Use of social media in library services
• Changing roles of librarians
• Proactive librarianship
• Knowledge management
• Open access

Dates to note:

28 March 2014: Deadline for submission of abstracts

15 April 2014:  Submission of full text papers

15 May  2014:  Program with presenters sent out

For gudelines on submision of abstracts, please contanct any of the folloiwng:
 Ronald Munatsi [ronaldmunatsi@gmail.com]

Lantern R Fusire [lantern.fusire@nust.ac.zw; fusirelantern@gmail.com]

Harriet R Ncube [hrncube@nrz.co.zw; hrncube@gmail.com]