Prof. Ruth Hoskins to keynote XXVII SCECSAL this April – Strengthening LIS for a Digital Future

Prof. Ruth Hoskins

Professor Ruth Hoskins, Dean of Teaching and Learning at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, will be one of the keynote speakers at the XXVII SCECSAL Conference, taking place from 27 April to 1 May 2026 at the Avani Victoria Falls Resort in Livingstone, Zambia.

Her keynote, titled “Strengthening LIS Human Capital in Africa for a Digital Future,” is scheduled for 30 April at 08:30. It will offer valuable perspectives into developing LIS skills and capacities across Africa and explore how the sector can leverage digital opportunities to develop a workforce ready for the challenges of the 21st century.

Prof. Hoskins holds a PhD in Library and Information Science and brings extensive expertise in academic libraries, ICTs in libraries, scholarly publishing, and information behaviour. She has published widely, including work on open access in South African university libraries and indigenous knowledge in open-access repositories.

Beyond research, she has a distinguished career in higher education and professional service, serving on editorial boards, reviewing for leading LIS journals, and contributing to national initiatives that enhance student success and transformative learning. Her commitment to teaching excellence has been recognized with a Certificate of Excellence in Teaching from her university.

Prof. Hoskins’s deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing the LIS profession makes her an ideal speaker to address strategic development of LIS human capital for Africa’s digital future.

Join us at the XXVII SCECSAL Conference from 27 April to 1 May and be inspired by Prof. Hoskins’s vision for developing Library and Information Science (LIS) human capital to strengthen Africa’s libraries and information services for a digital future.

Register now: conference.scecsal.org

Learn more about Prof. Hoskins: UKZN profile

Harnessing AI and data for Africa’s development: Dr. Edmund Balnaves to deliver keynote address at the SCECSAL conference in April

Dr Edmund Balnaves

During the Opening Ceremony of the XXVII SCECSAL Conference on 28 April, Dr Edmund Balnaves, Chief Executive Officer of Prosentient Systems (Australia) and Chair of the Information Technology Section of International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions, will be among the distinguished speakers. He will deliver a keynote address on “Harnessing AI and Data in African Libraries for Africa’s Development.”

As libraries across Africa navigate rapid digital transformation, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and data-driven systems are reshaping how knowledge is discovered, accessed, and used. Dr Balnaves brings decades of global experience spanning library systems, metadata innovation, and AI-enhanced discovery, expertise that is highly relevant to African institutions seeking scalable, sustainable digital solutions.

Currently Chair of the Information Technology Section of the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA), Dr Balnaves has played a leading role in shaping international conversations on library technologies, including AI in libraries and information management. His work spans cloud-based library platforms, AI-assisted search and discovery, and the strategic reuse of metadata to unlock knowledge at scale. His doctoral research focused on systematic content reuse and metadata - foundational elements for intelligent information systems.

For Africa, the stakes are high. Libraries remain critical infrastructure for education, research, entrepreneurship, and lifelong learning, yet many face persistent challenges, including limited funding, outdated technology, insufficient digital resources, and gaps in staff capacity. As the continent undergoes rapid digital transformation, leveraging AI and data-driven systems offers an opportunity to modernize library services, improve access to knowledge, and support scalable, sustainable solutions that meet the evolving needs of students, researchers, and communities. 

Dr Balnaves’ keynote will explore how African libraries, as trusted and equitable community institutions, can mediate the adoption of AI technologies in ways that serve the public good, uphold ethical standards, and meet local needs. He will highlight the broader AI ecosystem beyond generative AI, including machine learning for image recognition, big data analytics, and AI-powered translation tools - critical for bridging linguistic diversity and improving access to educational, governmental, and cultural resources in local languages.

Later in the week, Dr Balnaves will join an expert panel on “AI and Library and Information Services in Africa,” engaging with regional specialists and delegates on practical applications, ethical frameworks, and future-ready skills for library professionals.

As Africa accelerates its digital transformation, AI discussions must be grounded in inclusion, sustainability, and local empowerment. The XXVII SCECSAL Conference provides a timely platform for library and information professionals, policymakers, development practitioners, and academicians to engage in meaningful dialogue on how AI and data can drive inclusive and equitable library services.

Join us on 28 April 2026 for this forward-looking keynote and discover how AI and data can empower African libraries to foster inclusive, equitable development, ensuring that no one is left behind.

Register at: https://conference.scecsal.org/

Updated Information Note Now Available – XXVII SCECSAL Conference, April 2026

Delegates attending the XXVII SCECSAL Conference, taking place from 27 April – 1 May 2026 at the Avani Victoria Falls Resort in Livingstone, Zambia are advised that the updated Delegates Quick Information Guide (2 March 2026 edition) is now available for download.

Please review the document carefully, as it contains important updates and reminders regarding:

Registration & deadlines

• Standard Registration deadline: 20 March 2026
• No bank transfers will be accepted after 20 March 2026.
• Onsite registration fees will automatically apply to all payments received after the published deadlines.
• No cash or credit card payments will be accepted onsite. All registration fees must be paid in Zambian Kwacha (ZMW) and deposited into the official Conference Account at Indo-Zambia Bank, Livingstone Branch.
• To avoid inconveniences and to ensure a smooth onsite registration process, delegates are strongly encouraged to complete payment via bank wire transfer well before the deadline.

Early action is strongly encouraged to avoid higher onsite registration rates.

Accommodation

April is peak tourism season in Livingstone, with high visitor numbers to Victoria Falls, and hotel rooms fill up quickly. Delegates are strongly advised to book and confirm their accommodation as soon as possible. The Conference Organisers cannot guarantee assistance with accommodation for late bookings or for delegates arriving in Livingstone without confirmed reservations. A list of recommended hotels, including any available special delegate rates, is provided on the conference website.

Transport & arrival

Delegates may arrive via Harry Mwaanga Nkumbula International Airport (LVI) in Livingstone or Victoria Falls International Airport (Zimbabwe). Please arrange airport transfers with your hotel in advance where shuttle services are available.

If your hotel does not provide airport transfers, you may use locally available transport options, including Yango ride-hailing services and private taxis, for travel from the airport to your accommodation.

Conference-arranged shuttle bus services will operate between the recommended hotels and the conference venue. Delegates who miss the scheduled shuttle services may also use Yango or private taxis for convenient transport to and from the venue.

All delegates are encouraged to download and read the updated Information Note in full to ensure smooth participation.