Aloysius Senono Mwanje on Advancing Data Veracity in Academic Libraries at SCECSAL Conference

Aloysius Senono Mwanje

The upcoming XXVII SCECSAL Conference will bring together leading voices in library and information science across Africa. Among the emerging scholars to watch is Aloysius Senono Mwanje, a Ph.D. student in Information Science at the University at Buffalo, where he also serves as a Graduate Assistant supporting research and academic program initiatives.

At the conference, Aloysius will present a timely paper titled "Data Veracity as a Catalyst for Perceived Reliable Library Services Among Graduate Students." His work explores how the accuracy, trustworthiness, and integrity of data, collectively known as data veracity, shape users' confidence in library services. This focus speaks directly to the growing need for libraries to anchor their services in trustworthy, verifiable data, a need that resonates strongly with graduate students who rely on academic libraries as cornerstones of their scholarly work.

His research interests span data quality, big data analytics, and data accessibility, with particular emphasis on how data documentation practices support data veracity, access and use in big data environments, ultimately enhancing the credibility and usability of library services. Underpinning all of this is a broader goal of improving data documentation and ensuring equitable access to research data.

Originally from Kampala, Uganda, Aloysius brings a global and inclusive perspective to his research, with academic goals that include developing data-driven interventions to support marginalized communities and expand equitable access to knowledge resources.

As libraries continue to evolve into data-rich, digitally mediated environments, his work underscores a critical message: reliable services depend not only on access, but on the quality and trustworthiness of the data behind them.

Don't miss Aloysius' presentation. Register now for the XXVII SCECSAL Conference.

Julia Gelfand at the SCECSAL Conference Panel on Library Partnerships

Julia Gelfand

On 28 April, the XXVII SCECSAL conference in Livingstone, Zambia, will feature a respected voice in global librarianship - Julia Gelfand formerly of the University of California, Irvine Libraries. She will join a high-level expert panel on “Building Partnerships for Sustainable Library and Information Services.”

With more than four decades of experience in academic and research librarianship, Julia recently retired from UC Irvine as Applied Sciences & Engineering Librarian and was conferred Distinguished Emerita status in recognition of her outstanding career. She remains active professionally and globally and is engaged in the global library community through organizations such as the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA), American Library Association (ALA), Society for Scholarly Publishing (SSP), the American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE), International Association of University Libraries (IATUL). 

In 2026, Gelfand is serving as a Fulbright Scholar at Botswana International University of Science and Technology Libraries, where she is contributing to a range of forward-looking initiatives. Her work spans collections development, scholarly communication, library outreach and marketing, and the application of artificial intelligence in libraries, areas that are rapidly reshaping the global information landscape. Her current engagement in Africa reflects a strong commitment to capacity development and international collaboration. 

 Her participation in the SCECSAL panel comes at a critical moment for African libraries. As institutions navigate digital transformation, open knowledge systems, and evolving user needs, the role of strategic partnerships has never been more important. The session will explore how collaborations with governments, development agencies, NGOs, communities, and the private sector can transform libraries into engines of sustainable development. 

With her extensive global experience and current work on the continent, Julia brings both expertise and inspiration to this important conversation, highlighting the power of partnerships to shape the future of library and information services in Africa. She looks forward to meeting and engaging with you at the conference. Visit and regsiter at the conference website: https://conference.scecsal.org/

Prof. Peter Gatiti to speak at XXVII SCECSAL Conference in Livingstone

Prof. Peter Gatiti

As the XXVII SCECSAL Conference (27 April – 1 May 2026) at the Avani Victoria Falls Resort in Livingstone, Zambia, fast approaches, one of the standout voices to watch is Prof. Peter Gatiti,  a scholar and LIS professional whose career bridges continents and disciplines in the most compelling way.

Prof. Gatiti serves as Associate Vice-Provost and University Librarian at Aga Khan University (AKU), overseeing a network of 12 libraries across six countries, including Pakistan, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and the UK. He holds a PhD in Information Systems from the University of Bolton, an MSc in Information Systems from Leeds Metropolitan University, and a Bachelor's degree in Library and Information Studies from Loughborough University.

His academic journey has been further enriched and strengthened through high-level professional training. He is a fellow of the Mortenson Center for International Library Programs at the University of Illinois and has trained at the Leadership Institute for Academic Librarians at Harvard Graduate School of Education, as well as at the Summer School on Bibliometrics and Research Impact at Western University in Canada.

Prof. Gatiti's research spans digital libraries, health informatics, knowledge management, bibliometrics, and scholarly communication. Notably, he was leading a team of researchers from Aga Khan University in implementing a Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights repository, a project funded by WHO, a testament to the real-world impact of his work.

As a prominent voice in the profession, Prof. Gatiti has noted that the global trend now heavily favours electronic resources over printed materials, necessitating librarians to significantly expand their skill sets into data science and information management.

Beyond research, Prof. Gatiti serves as Chairperson of the Kenya Library Association (KLA) and as a standing committee member of IFLA's Statistics and Evaluation Section, connecting African librarianship to the global stage.

At the conference in Livingstone, he will present on “Copyright Competencies of Academic Librarians in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Systematic Review,” a timely contribution as institutions across the continent navigate digital access, intellectual property, and open knowledge in an ever-changing information environment increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence.

Register today and join more than 400 delegates at a conference that will serve as a platform for dialogue, innovation, and collaboration for LIS professionals.

Don't miss the opportunity to engage with Prof. Gatiti.

Visit the conference website at - https://conference.scecsal.org/