The 6th AFLIA Conference and 8th African Library Summit

Zambian delegates at AfLIA conference

By Allan Mudenda Hagwelele - LIAZ SG

The 6th AFLIA Conference and 8th African Library Summit took place from May 19 to May 23, 2025, in Windhoek, Namibia, under the overarching theme "Open Knowledge: Present, Future, and African Realities." This significant gathering brought together over 200 delegates representing 17 African countries, including five delegates from Zambia. The event served as a vibrant platform for exchanging ideas, showcasing innovative research, and strengthening collaboration among librarians, academic scholars, policymakers, and other stakeholders committed to advancing open knowledge and information access across Africa.

Overview of the Conference

The event featured a diverse program comprising keynote addresses, panel discussions, pre-conference workshops, and paper presentations. A total of 21 papers were presented, with Zambian contributors notably participating actively—two of these presentations were delivered by Zambian researchers.

 Over 200 delegates from 17 African nations participated, demonstrating a strong regional interest in open knowledge initiatives. Zambian representation included five delegates, showcasing the country's engagement with African-wide partnerships and innovations in the library and information sector.

The first presentation titled "Open Science and Scholarly Writing: Rethinking Traditional Journals—A Scoping Review" was delivered collaboratively by Dr. Euphrasia Ngandwe, Mrs. Mutinta Mweemba Nabuyanda, and Mr. Chipembele Matuka. This paper analyzed the evolving role of librarians, focusing on their expertise as curators of open access repositories and as intermediaries connecting information sources with researchers. It also examined the impact of institutional and governmental policies on the development of mandates, funding, and infrastructural support necessary for the adoption of open science. Additionally, the study discussed changing paradigms in scholarly publishing within the context of open science, highlighting the importance of re-evaluating traditional journal models to improve accessibility and promote inclusivity.

The second presentation, by Mrs. Sharon Munshya Liato and Mr. Moses Mumba, titled "Assessing the Knowledge and Utilisation of Artificial Intelligence among Students, Lecturers, and Librarians in Colleges of Education in Zambia", explored AI adoption in educational settings, its implications for teaching and learning quality, and the significance of integrating AI literacy into academic environments.

Election of New Office Bearers (2025-2027)

 The conference concluded with the election of a new leadership team tasked with steering AFLIA through the coming years with Sarah Negumbo as president and Dr. Mac-Anthony Cobblah as vice-president. Mrs. Nabuyanda was elected to sit in the Governing Council as Southern Africa Regional Representative.  

 In addition, Mrs. Sharon Munshya Liato was elected Publicity Secretary (National Libraries Section), while Dr. Euphrasia Ngandwe was elected as Vice Chairperson (Academic Libraries and Library Consortia Section)

Part of the newly elected AFLIA Governing Council members

In conclusion, the conference reaffirmed Africa’s commitment to embracing open knowledge principles, promoting scholarly collaboration, and leveraging emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence to enhance educational outcomes. Notably, the participation, contributions and election into offices by the Zambian delegates exemplify LIAZ’s growing role in regional and continental knowledge-sharing initiatives.

Participants acknowledged the importance of rethinking traditional scholarly communication frameworks and integrating innovative technologies to bridge information gaps, especially in resource-limited contexts.

The new leadership pledge to foster collaborations, promote open access policies, and advance capacity-building in library and information sciences across Africa.

For a detailed report on Office bearers and more information on AfLIA activities including the just ended conference and summit, visit the AfLIA website https://web.aflia.net/

LIAZ at the 1st Southern African Regional Universities Association (SARUA) Conference 2025: Libraries Leading the Future of Higher Education

By Ms. Pauline Namulomba Nchemba

Ms. Pauline Namulomba Nchemba

We’re thrilled to announce that Ms. Pauline Namulomba Nchemba, Vice President of the Library and Information Association of Zambia (LIAZ), proudly represented Zambia’s library sector at the 1st SARUA Conference held in Lusaka from 21–23 May 2025, under the theme:

“Innovating Higher Education for Sustainable Development across the SADC: Innovation for Impact”

SARUA is a network of higher education institutions in the SADC region that promotes collaboration, innovation, and policy engagement to strengthen regional academic systems and sustainable development. 

The theme for its 1st conference ‘Innovating Higher Education for Sustainable Development across the SADC: Innovation for Impact’, highlights the urgent need for universities to adapt to economic, technological and social shifts. In a rapidly evolving world, collaboration across sectors, including academia, government, industry and civil society, is essential to drive innovation and tackle complex regional challenges.  It must be realized that Libraries and Library associations are catalysts in attaining the aspirations of higher education.

Ms. Nchemba delivered a powerful presentation titled “Digital Libraries and Library Associations: Catalysts for Transforming Higher Education in the SADC Region.”

Her talk spotlighted how digital libraries are revolutionizing access to knowledge offering 24/7, inclusive, and equitable learning opportunities and how library associations like LIAZ are shaping policy, building capacity, and driving innovation across the region.

 Key Takeaways from Her Presentation:

✅ Digital Libraries as Enablers of Inclusion

Digital libraries break access barriers, offering 24/7 equitable access to knowledge, transforming how students and researchers engage with learning and research.

✅ The Evolving Role of Librarians

Librarians are no longer just custodians of books; they are innovation partners and digital stewards, supporting research, teaching, and digital transformation across institutions.

✅ Cross-Border Collaboration

She emphasized the need for shared platforms, regional knowledge exchange, and collaborative digital infrastructure to overcome fragmentation in the sector and boost sustainability.

✅ LIAZ’s Role in Capacity Building and Policy

LIAZ is leading the way in capacity development on critical topics such as Open Science, Research Data Management, and policy engagement through partnerships with the Ministry of Education and other stakeholders.

Why This Matters

The SARUA Conference is a strategic platform for fostering cooperation and solutions for common challenges in higher education. Through her participation, Ms. Nchemba positioned libraries as vital agents of change in shaping education systems that are resilient, inclusive, and future-ready.

In her words:

“Let libraries lead as catalysts for change. Together, we can build a smarter, more inclusive SADC higher education ecosystem.” Ms. Nchemba

The conference was not only an opportunity to showcase the innovations and leadership coming from Zambia but also to forge new networks and partnerships across SADC universities and sectors. It reinforced LIAZ’s commitment to knowledge equity, regional collaboration, and transformative leadership in higher education.

We thank SARUA for this strategic platform and celebrate the rising visibility of Zambian libraries on the regional stage. We are proud of LIAZ’s growing role in shaping the future of education in Africa! 

Together, let’s continue driving impact where libraries lead, knowledge grows, and education transforms.

Foundational principles of conservation for digitisation in libraries and archives workshop

Applications are welcome from everywhere in Africa!

The National University of Lesotho, the Endangered Archives Programme (EAP) Hub for Africa, and the British Library have announced a workshop on conservation for digitisation, to be held from 8th to 10th October 2025 and hosted by the National University of Lesotho.

The EAP is working with a network of regional hubs to co-create and deliver a series of online and onsite training opportunities for institutions, researchers, archivists, librarians, and anyone interested in protecting archival material at risk.

What is the workshop about?

Digitisation in libraries and archives is one of the most effective ways to reduce the handling of original items, increase access and virtually unify materials with collections from other libraries. This three-day workshop, tailored to the needs of your collections, will introduce you to the main aspects of conservation for digitisation of library and archive material, and will allow you to preserve your collections throughout the digitisation process.

What will the workshop cover?

The workshop will take place on Wednesday 8th, Thursday 9th and Friday 10th October 2025.

The workshop will focus on the benefits of digitisation, reasons for digitising, digitisation methods and the selection of items. We will cover the scoping for collections, condition assessments and handling of items as well as digitisation workflow. You will be able to learn how to prepare your workspace and how to use relevant tools. We will discuss how to plan for digitisation, how to use guidelines and getting resources. Finally, you will be able to carry out simple stabilisation measures.

A one-hour follow-up webinar, to take place about a month after the course, is part of the workshop.

The webinar is intended as an active participation session, during which the participants will be able to ask for clarifications, share comments and progress about their digitisation projects.

What will you achieve?

By the end of this workshop, you will be able to identify project scopes and decide on suitable materials for digitisation. You will understand what the necessary resources and materials are when planning a project, as well as how to prepare your workspace, handle items and assess their condition. You will be able to undertake simple but effective stabilisation measures such as dry cleaning, removal of staples and unfolding corners, and you will produce a book cradle. Finally, you will understand how to use digitisation guidelines and how to implement strategies for getting resources.

What is the workshop format? 

You will learn through various effective methods including lectures on PowerPoint, group and individual hands-on activities, and quizzes.

Morning sessions will include a combination of theoretical presentations and demonstrations.

Afternoon sessions will be mainly demonstrations and hands on and will cover topics such as how to make a book cradle and an item support cushion and how to carry out simple stabilisation measures such as the removal of staples, unfolding corners and separating pages.

Twelve places will be available to take part in both the morning and afternoon sessions. This is due to the practical aspect of these sessions, which only work with a smaller group of participants.

What level is the course, and do you need any particular skills?

This course is aimed at professionals working in archives and libraries. No conservation knowledge is required but is desirable. Furthermore, applicants need the following criteria:

1. That this knowledge is applicable to their immediate job.

2. That they will be able to train others on return to their base.

How can you apply?

Places are limited to 12 participants. Interested applicants are required to complete this application form by the 1st of July 2025 this application form: https://forms.office.com/e/meiDtLU2g4.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Interested individuals are encouraged to apply early to maximize their chances of securing a spot.

The workshop will be conducted in English.  Applications are welcome from everywhere in Africa, but please note that we will not be able to cover any travel, accommodation or subsistence costs.

All applicants will be contacted with the result of the application process after the deadline.

A certificate of attendance will be given after participation

Unlocking the Power of Information: LIAZ’s Strategic Workshop Charts the Way Forward

 

By Pauline Namulomba Nchemba

In a rapidly digitizing world, information is no longer a passive resource — it's a driver of institutional growth, innovation, and national progress. From April 23rd to 25th, 2025, the Library and Information Association of Zambia (LIAZ) brought this message to life at its groundbreaking Training Workshop on the Strategic Role of Information in Institutional Development, held at Mika Convention Centre, Chongwe.

Under the theme “Strategic Information Management: Driving Institutional Development and Innovation,” the workshop gathered Zambia’s Directors, Librarians, Records Officers, and Information Professionals for three days of knowledge exchange, reflection, and action planning.

Why This Workshop Mattered

Too often, information professionals work in the shadows, their critical contributions to policy, operations, and service delivery underappreciated. This workshop set out to change that — by rethinking the value of information in institutions and its alignment with Zambia’s 8th National Development Plan (8NDP).

Key goals included:

• Strengthening collaboration between management and information staff;

• Exploring digital innovations that improve institutional service delivery;

• Developing actionable information governance plans;

• Building bridges between institutional goals and national development priorities.

The turnout? A strong 48 participants, including 6 institutional Directors, 2 leading facilitators (Mr. Luanga and Mr. Miti), and a vibrant team of LIAZ staff coordinating the event.

A Day-by-Day Journey Through the Workshop

Day 1: Building Bridges Between Leaders and Information Professionals

The opening ceremony was vibrant, with a warm welcome and official address from Miss Pauline Namulomba Nchemba, LIAZ Vice President. She called for stronger partnerships between technical experts and institutional decision-makers.

Mr. Luanga kicked off with a powerful keynote on leadership in information environments. Plenary discussions identified a common bottleneck: a gap between decision-makers and the librarians and records officers who hold key institutional knowledge. The message was clear — synergy is not optional; it’s strategic.

Day 2: Digital Innovation, Governance, and Research Support

Day Two buzzed with energy as Mr. Miti led participants through a hands-on exploration of digital service delivery. From integrated information systems to smart records management, institutions shared both success stories and stubborn challenges.

Interactive group work allowed participants to draft tailored action plans, aligning digital transformation goals with the reality of their institutional environments.

Day 3: Connecting Information Strategies with Zambia’s 8NDP

The final day zoomed out to a national lens. How can institutions use strategic information management to directly support Zambia’s developmental priorities in health, education, governance, and innovation?

Participants worked on aligning their internal action plans with the 8NDP and discussed how libraries and records systems can be levers for transparency, accountability, and public service delivery. The event closed with a certificate ceremony and final reflections from participants eager to implement what they learned.

Tangible Outcomes and Lessons Learned

✨ What did the workshop achieve?

• Participants left with a sharper understanding of the strategic value of information in decision-making.

• Institutions drafted actionable roadmaps for information governance and digital innovation.

• A new network of collaboration among Directors, Librarians, and Records Officers was born.

• The workshop spotlighted real institutional challenges — from siloed operations to budget constraints — and offered clear paths forward.

What’s Next? Recommendations from the Workshop

✅ For LIAZ:

• Collaborate with sector leaders like ZAPSO and higher education boards to engage top management.

• Launch specialized trainings on topics like Emotional Intelligence for Information Professionals and Integrated Library and Information Management Systems (ILIMS).

• Enhance national visibility through media, policy engagement, and institutional partnerships.

• Develop follow-up mechanisms to monitor the implementation of workshop action plans.

✅ For Institutions and Participants:

• Push for budget lines dedicated to information systems.

• Create cross-functional teams (Librarians, Records Officers, IT staff) for integrated digital transformation.

• Implement peer-to-peer learning sessions to cascade knowledge within institutions.

• Share the workshop learnings at board meetings, staff forums, and academic councils.

In Conclusion: From Insight to Impact

The LIAZ training workshop didn’t just fill knowledge gaps — it inspired transformation. It demonstrated that information is not just data stored in a file cabinet or on a hard drive; it's a living, breathing force for innovation and development.

As Zambia charges ahead with its national development goals, LIAZ remains a critical partner, championing information professionals and systems as catalysts for institutional success.

Follow LIAZ for more updates on training, capacity-building, and partnerships at www.liaz.org.zm

 Got feedback or want to collaborate? Email us at liazsecretariat@gmail.com

#InformationIsPower #LIAZ2025 #StrategicInformation #DigitalTransformation #ZambiaDevelopment #LibraryLeadership

Call for papers is now open for SCECSAL 2026!

The 2026 SCECSAL Organizing Committee (SOC) has announced the Call for Papers for the 27th Standing Conference of Eastern, Central and Southern African Library and Information Associations (SCECSAL), set to take place from 27 April to 1 May 2026 at the Avani Victoria Falls Resort in Livingstone, Zambia.

Conference theme

“African Libraries and Information Services at the New Crossroads”

This theme reflects a pivotal moment for libraries and information professionals in Africa, as they navigate digital innovation, ongoing transformation, and the pursuit of continued relevance in an ever-changing digital environment. 

Sub-themes include:

• Information services for sustainable development
• Innovation in library and information service delivery
• Empowering librarians, information professionals, and users
• Partnerships in library and information services development
• Data, privacy, and information security in libraries
• Artificial Intelligence and libraries
• Strategic marketing of library and information services
• Digital technologies and the reading culture
• Open access and social justice
• Big data and innovative information services
• Empowering libraries and information institutions
• Policy, advocacy, and legal environments for sustainable libraries

Whether you're a library and information professional, researcher, academic, policy maker, or technology innovator, this is your platform to share experiences, present research, and help shape the future of our profession.

Mark your calendar!

• Venue: Avani Victoria Falls Resort, Livingstone, Zambia
• Dates: 27 April – 1 May 2026

And yes! Just steps away from the majestic Victoria Falls! It's more than a conference - it’s a once-in-a-lifetime blend of professional engagement and natural wonder.

Submission guidelines

All Abstracts must be submitted through the Microsoft Conference Management Toolkit (CMT). Note: Submissions sent through any other channels will not be accepted.

Download the Call for Papers for full details on the Conference Theme, Sub-Themes, and Key Dates. 

Why attend?

Besides the rich professional programme, the location itself is a huge bonus. Livingstone is home to Victoria Falls, one of the natural wonders of the world, and so you’ll get the best of both worlds: meaningful professional engagement and an unforgettable travel experience.

Contact information

For questions related to abstracts and papers, please contact:

Dr. Tuesday Bwalya - tbwalya@liaz.edu.zm

General inquiries: scecsal@liaz.edu.zm | secretariat@scecsal.org

LIAZ signs an MoU with Smart Zambia Institute to promote digital literacy and information services in Zambia

 By the Library and Information Association of Zambia

Signing ceremony of the MoU between
LIAZ and Smart Zambia initiative

One of the objectives of the Library and Information Association of Zambia (LIAZ) is to build a body of
knowledge in the art and science of librarianship, documentation, and information science, as well as to stimulate interest in and promote the exchange of information and ideas. Furthermore, in line with Sustainable Development Goal 17, which emphasizes fostering partnerships to achieve the Goals, LIAZ has been actively working to build collaborative and mutually beneficial partnerships.

Against this background, on 10th January 2025, the Library and Information Association of Zambia (LIAZ) and the Smart Zambia Initiative E-Government Division signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The primary objective of the MoU is to advance digital literacy and information services in Zambia. Under the agreement, Smart Zambia will facilitate training, support the implementation of digital literacy initiatives, and provide technical expertise for deploying digital solutions. Meanwhile, LIAZ will leverage its expertise to promote access to information services. Areas of collaboration include digital literacy training, capacity development, research and development, and advocacy and awareness creation.

We look forward to the implementation of the signed MoU that will mutually benefit the two institutions.

Unlocking the Future of Information Management: Highlights from the LIAZ Training Workshop

By the Library and Information Association of Zambia

Workshop participants

In an era where information is the cornerstone of success, the Library and Information Association of
Zambia (LIAZ) made significant strides in empowering professionals with its transformative training workshop held in Kabwe from 10 to 13 December 2024. Themed “Information Management: A Strategic Tool for Organizational Success,” the event attracted 105 professionals, academics, and practitioners, all eager to gain knowledge and unlock new possibilities in the future of information management.

The workshop offered an immersive learning experience under the guidance of two seasoned trainers, Mr. Sitali Wamundila and Dr Clement Kasenge. Together, they guided participants through topics such as information management, information governance and security, and knowledge sharing and accessibility, providing a comprehensive exploration of the field's core concepts.

Workshop sessions 

The session on Introduction to Information Organizations, led by Mr. Sitali Wamundila, highlighted the critical role of governance and leadership in driving the success of information organizations. Participants gained valuable insights into how visionary leadership can transform information organizations into centres of innovation and productivity.

Training in session

In the Skills for Excellence in Information Management session, also facilitated by Mr. Wamundila, participants explored strategies for embracing digital transformation. They were provided with tools and techniques to develop capacities and enhance organizational information processes.

Another session led by Mr. Wamundila, titled Governance and Security, focused on developing robust governance frameworks and emphasized the importance of managing information security risks in today’s data-driven world.

Dr Clement Kasenge, in the Foundations of Information Management session, introduced participants to the information management value chain, providing a comprehensive framework for addressing organizational information needs and implementing effective auditing practices.

In his second session on Knowledge Sharing and Accessibility, Dr. Kasenge guided participants in exploring the importance of collaboration and breaking down barriers to information sharing. Attendees engaged with practical tools and strategies to cultivate a culture of inclusivity and shared learning within their organizations.

Interactive Learning Beyond Theory

The workshop extended beyond theoretical discussions, featuring interactive sessions, case studies, and networking opportunities. Participants collaborated actively to design actionable plans that could be implemented immediately within their organizations, ensuring the training’s impact stretched far beyond the conference walls.

Resource persons and some participants

Lasting Impact and Looking Forward

By the end of the training workshop, attendees' enthusiasm reflected their deeper understanding of information governance, enhanced practical skills, and renewed commitment to fostering innovation within their organizations. This vibrant energy underscores LIAZ’s dedication to empowering professionals and solidifying its position as a leader in information management, both in Zambia and beyond.