Zambia Commemorates 2022 National Library Week

Ministry of Education Permanent Secretary calls for digitalization of libraries in Zambia

By Bedson Nyoni

Library Week celebrartion in Zambia

Ministry of Education Permanent Secretary Zambia Commemorates 2022 National
Library Week  has called for the digitalization of libraries across the country.

In a speech read on his behalf by National Director for Primary Schools, Mr. Keziah Mwale at the official launch of the 2022 National Library Week held at Civic Centre in Kabwe, from 13 - 17 June 2022, Mr. Kamoko said there was a need for libraries to be connected to advanced technologies to make them accessible to everyone.

“Libraries are places to get connected to technology by using broadband, computers, and other resources. This year’s theme is an explicit call to action, an invitation for communities to join, visit or advocate for local libraries,” he said.

Mr. Kamoko noted that the 2022 National Library Week theme demonstrates how modern libraries were at the heart of institutions providing critical resources and expertise that add value to our communities.

This year’s National Library Week commemorations across the country are being held on the theme: “Connect with your library”.

Mr. Kamoko also called on stakeholders to continue supporting the ministry in the provision of libraries and library services at all levels.

He revealed that the Government in partnership with Book Aid International has taken a deliberate stance to establish 72 study hubs in the Copperbelt, Northern, Southern, Lusaka, North-western, Western and Muchinga provinces to provide additional support to learners preparing for examinations.

And Kabwe District Administrator, Mr. Lennox Shimwamba, commended all institutions that participated in the National Library Week Commemoration. 

Speaking at the same event, Mr. Simwamba observed that the commemoration was critical as its activities feed-in and work hand in hand with what the government is trying to achieve which is free education for all.

Meanwhile, Kabwe Mayor Patrick Chishala said that this year’s national library week espouses the view that libraries are living organisms that interacts with their external environment. 

He noted that the theme was a clear alignment with the Seventh National Development Plan (NDP) towards achieving ‘education for all by 2030’. 

And Provincial Education Officer for Central Province, Mrs. Maambe Hamududu said the importance of a library cannot be overemphasized. 

She cited the five most important reasons why libraries are needed: “libraries maintain the history and more important truth, libraries offer free educational resources, libraries help to build communities, libraries are transparent with the services they provide, and libraries contribute to increasing the economy”. 

LIAZ President
 Mrs Mutinta Mweemba Nabuyanda

Meanwhile, Library and Information Association President (LIAZ) President, Mrs Mutinta Mweemba Nabuyanda said connecting with our libraries is the only way through which we can benefit from the services and information resources contained therein. 

“The important role that libraries and librarians play in ensuring that our learners and citizens receive the right services and information to enhance their learning opportunities cannot be overemphasised. The best all of us can do, government inclusive therefore is to support libraries and the librarians with all relevant resources pertaining to their welfare" she stressed.

She said it was LIAZ's considered view that if qualified people are given the mandate to manage information in various Government departments, there would be a reduction in the leaking of sensitive information to unintended recipients. 

“The new technological environment in libraries and resource centres demands digital skills from key staff to play an effective role in providing digital information to the users, by possessing knowledge and skills to utilize e-resources, offer web-based services and market them digitally” she emphasised. 

The LIAZ president said that the Association has been carrying out periodic skills audits to establish gaps among LIS professionals and undertake training to mitigate identified gaps.

 

Zambia celebrates 2018 National Library Week

By Velenasi Mwale Munsanje

Guest of Honour chats with exhibitors
as LIAZ Vice President Mr. Jabulani Moyo,
on his right, looks on

National Library Week is an annual event commemorated around the world at different times. The significance of this event is to create public awareness on the importance of libraries by giving an opportunity to libraries, documentation/information centres to showcase their resources, facilities, events and services through different programs and events to the community. The event also provides the community with the opportunity to find out about the wide range of services which libraries and other information providing institutions offer as well as recognize the vital role they play in research, education and entertainment.

National Library Week in Zambia does not only provide libraries with a way to promote their services and raise awareness of the vital role that libraries play in society, but also  encourages literacy and provides people with access to information.

As well as attending events, National Library Weed attendees can check out their local libraries and inquire about their services available to find out new ways to utilise the facility. Presentations include a variety of topics that affect citizens such as drug abuse, environmental issues, sexual harassment, etc.

The Ministry of General Education in partnership with Library and Information Association of Zambia (LIAZ), yet again, partnered this year to celebrate this important event. In the recent years, the hosting of the main launch of the National Library Week has been rotating in the various provinces in Zambia. This has given an opportunity to the host provinces to have a national activity with much more impact on the local community.

The National Library Week celebrations took place in various provinces from 4th to 8th June, 2018.The main official launch was held on 6th June, 2018 in Kasama, in the Northern Province. The theme for this year’s National Library Week was “Libraries Lead.” The Northern Province Minister, Honourable Brian Mundubile officially opened the National Library Week that was hosted by Kasama Provincial Library. In his speech, the Honourable Minister echoed that the National Library Week was a great opportunity to talk about the how libraries lead in everything about our lives. He emphasised that libraries lead us to community exploration, heritage, academic success, innovation and our overall future. He observed that Librarians have long been trailblazers when it comes to issues like equity of access and intellectual freedom; beyond that, Librarian’s services and expertise help lead people to achieve their goals and improve their quality of life.

The award for the best exhibitor was grabbed by Road Development Agency (RDA) with the second position going to Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA). ZRA has been the best National Library Week exhibiting organization for the two previous years.

Although Northern Province was the official host of this national event, various celebrations were held in other provinces. These included Lusaka, Western, Luapula, North-Western, Eastern and Southern Provinces. Each province had a Guest of Honour that graced the occasion with various libraries exhibiting their services.