Friday, March 17, 2023

LIAZ delivers a course on Customer Relations Management in the Digital Era

Fifty information professionals in Zambia benefit from the course.

Participants at the training
The Library and Information Association of Zambia (LIAZ) delivered a training course on Customer
Relations Management (CRM) in the Digital Era: A Practical Approach at Mika Convention Center, in Chongwe, from 28th February to 3rd March 2023.

The training attracted fifty-five librarians, records managers, archivists, and many other allied information professionals drawn from different institutions ranging from public/special libraries to financial organizations.

The training objectives were among others; to equip the trainees with skills that would help improve customer relationships, practice confidentiality and manage conflict of interest in line with their duty, apply ethics and ethical considerations in both private and public life. The training was also aimed at equipping participants with skills on how to use technology in securing both physical and electronic records, understand how to use Big Data Technology (BDT) for Archives and records management and understand and manage social media platforms.

Speaking when she officially opened the training, LIAZ president, Mrs. Mutinta Nabuyanda noted that the training was crucial especially since it was after the COVID-19 pandemic which created challenges for most of the institutions that were more dependent on physical service provision.

She noted that the overall objective of this training was to equip practitioners with the necessary skills, knowledge and business strategies to understand, anticipate and manage the needs of organizations’ current and potential customers, particularly in the digital era.

LIAZ President, Mrs Mutinta Nabuyanda
giving her opening remarks at the training 
The LIAZ president stated that the objectives of the Association were to build a body of knowledge in the art and science of librarianship, documentation and information science as well as to stimulate interest and promote the exchange of information and ideas.

“I wish to remind you that your organization has supported you to attend this training and expect positive change in the execution of your duties. Therefore, I urge all of you to take this training seriously and prove your worth in your organizations” Mrs. Nabuyanda e emphasized.

The Customer Relations Management training included lectures complemented with tutorials and practical lab sessions. The tutorials and lab sessions enabled and exposed learners to various technologies in securing both physical and electronic records, understanding how to use Big Data Technology (BDT) for Archives and records management and understanding and managing social media platforms.

Further, the computer-based demonstrations in labs enabled participants to apply the knowledge gained in lectures. To ensure that learners understood the lessons, directed exercises and assignments were allocated at regular intervals for completion in the labs and also outside of class.

Speaking at the end of the four-day training sessions, Workshop Facilitator, Mr Geoffrey Miti emphasised that CRM technologies was crucial as it enables the companies and organisations to understand customer behaviour better, predict their future, deliver customized customer experience, and establish long-term customer relationships.

Mr Miti observed that “In today’s market conditions, customers demand better service and expect more from companies. Companies require to understand the needs, preferences, and buying behaviour of customers; in order to plan and execute interactions that create the best possible experience for their customers. As such, responding to the needs of customers efficiently is important, adding that customers do not only expect fast response, but they also evaluate the performance of the company by looking at how well companies handle their needs”.

He hoped that the participants were going to put into practice what they learned during the four days training.

And Head Librarian, Zambia Statistics Agency (ZamStats), Ms Juliet Mumba, applauded LIAZ for organizing the training. 

“We have learnt a lot and will now go back to our workplaces and be able to apply what we have learnt. This training is one of its kind, well organized and motivating. To the LIAZ executive you have our support. Hope to have more of such training with gifted facilitators such as Mr Miti” she added.

Wednesday, March 15, 2023

Zambia celebrates Word Read Aloud Day


The Library and Information Association of Zambia (LIAZ) joined this year’s 2023 World Read Aloud Day by participating in several activities including public discussions at the National Institute of Public Administration (NIPA) Library with students and librarians, literacy presentations by school, literacy video by American Spaces, presentations on how to write a good story among others. 

Several libraries across the country celebrated the day by participating in different activities. NIPA in collaboration with LIAZ celebrated and hosted the World Read Aloud Day at NIPA Library, in Lusaka, on Wednesday, February 1, 2023.

LIAZ President- Mutinta Nabuyanda in her opening remarks noted that access to reading materials in whatever form is critical. “I wish to make a clarion call to everyone out there to make it a habit to read for people especially children in homes. Doing so will go a long way in promoting the culture of reading among children” she added. 

Speaking as the same event, guest of Guest of Honour NIPA Governing Council Chairperson, Prof. Mary Shelalukey Ngoma, commended LIAZ for collaborating with cooperating partners in hosting this year’s World Read Aloud Day. 

Demonstrating winnowing, separation of chaff from
grain to school children, (not in picture) on WRAD
Dr Ngoma observed that “Reading aloud is one of the most important things parents and teachers can
do with children as it helps to build many vital foundational skills, introduces and builds vocabulary, provides a model of fluent, expressive reading, reduces stress, promotes empathy and helps children recognize what reading for pleasure is all about as it improves comprehension and active listening”.

She further encouraged parents to spend time reading with their children as it encourages discussions and gives a platform for building strong family bonds.” I encourage everyone to ensure our story is told and shared with our loved ones as every day is story day through the everyday experiences we encounter” she added.

The 2023 World Read Aloud Day is celebrated on February 1 each year in over 173 countries and brings people together through the shared connection of reading aloud in the communities. LitWorld, a non-profit organization that promotes literacy, initiated the World Read Aloud Day in 2010. Its mission is to strengthen kids and communities through the power of stories.