By Robert Chalochiwawa
Malawi Library Association (MALA) has been commended for its role in the training of personnel in
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| The graduating students |
Library and Information Science Studies in the country.
Speaking during the graduation ceremony of 68 students from various institutions held at Domasi College of Education in Zomba on Thursday, Principal of Chancellor College, Professor Richard Tambulasi, said MALA is playing a vital role in producing qualified staff in public and private institutions.
“As a person coming from an academic institution and being an academician and researcher, I value the importance of the library and the work of a librarian. An academic institution cannot operate without a library and its staff,” he said.
Tambulasi said libraries, archives and documentation centres play a key role in providing electronic and printed information for different uses including academic purposes.
“Literary, every sector in humanity such as military, the academia, public and private sectors, including media, need the library both electronic and print,” he said.
He, therefore, assured MALA that Chancellor College would continue hosting the course for librarians.
Taking her turn, MALA President, Gift Kadzamira, said the association would continue contributing towards the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals and being an active player in the implementation of the Access to Information Act.
She added the association would ensure that issues in the Marakesh Treaty are incorporated into Malawi’s Copyright Act.
According to the MALA President, her association advocates for professionalism and strives that its members are innovative and passionate leaders who are responsive to the clients’ needs.
She revealed that plans were underway to adopt a strategic management plan which would help develop the sector further.
MALA has been supporting the library course since 1979 and has produced over 1, 000 graduates who are working in various libraries and Information and Documentation Centres in Malawi.
