Zambia Vice President Nalumango urges librarians to be proactive

As LIAZ celebrates Golden Jubilee 

Official opening of LIAZ 50th Annual General Meeting
and Conference

Zambia's Vice President Mutale Nalumango has encouraged
librarians in the country to be proactive and innovative in carrying their duty as the Zambian government has created an enabling environment for them to operate.

In a speech delivered on her behalf by Mr Joel Kamoko, Permanent Secretary (Educational Services), at the official opening of the 50th Annual General Meeting and Conference for the Library and Information Association of Zambia (LIAZ), Mrs Nalumango urged the association to take advantage of opportunities provided by the government citing as an example the Constituency Development Fund which is available to information professionals to expand their horizon in delivering information services starting from constituencies. “I encourage the association to come up with innovative ideas to enhance information and service delivery” she said.

"My government stands ready to render the support in accordance with government policy,” she added.

Mrs Nalumango said that despite the challenges librarians and other allied professionals encounter during their course of duty, they should, together with the association, focus on the great achievements scored during the golden jubilee celebrations. 

And with Zambia selected to host the biennial regional Standing Conference of Eastern, Central, and Southern Africa Library and Information Associations (SCECSAL) in 2026 which was last staged in 2008, Mrs Nalumango noted that LIAZ's agenda is aligned with the vision and aspiration of the New Dawn administration which seeks to enhance human and social development for everyone. 

Participants at the 50th LIAZ Annual General Meeting
Conference in Livingstone

On her part, LIAZ president Mutinta Nabuyanda said that her association is complementing government efforts on ensuring that its members are provided with new, innovative, and appropriate skills in the field of information science. "Just this year, over 200 professionals have benefited from both physical and online training and presentations organised by the association and its partners, she said. 

Mrs Nabuyanda further noted that despite the challenges faced by librarians, such as lack of professional legislation, LIAZ has not relented in ensuring that information professionals have positive impact in communities, the nation and beyond. LIAZ president further informed the gathering that the association was working closely with the Ministry of Education to spearhead the Zambia Institute of Library and Information professional bill, which will regulate the conduct of library and information professionals” she added. 

Speaking at the same event, Livingstone Deputy Mayor, Mr John Banda said that: "As information professionals, you are the architects of transformation. Your dedication to preserving the past, curating the present, and shaping the future is truly commendable. Each day, you touch lives, plant seeds of curiosity, and nurture the aspirations of countless individuals who walk through the doors of your libraries and other information centres." 

LIAZ celebrated the milestone achievement of the Golden Jubilee from 25 to 28 July 2023, in Livingstone under the theme “LIAZ at Fifty: Translating Records Centres, Library Services and Research Information into Policy, Practice and Action”.