ULIA hosts 2018 IFLA Africa Section Mid Term Meeting

As you may be aware, it is only 2 days to XXIII SCECSAL in Entebbe Uganda. There are two pre-conferences: SCANUL- ECS and the IFLA Africa Section mid-term meeting.

It is with great pleasure that ULIA is hosting the 2018 IFLA Two Day Mid Term Meeting in partnership with Makerere University Library. 

This meeting has been graced by Prof. Tonny Oyana, the Principal of the College of Computing and Information Sciences- who welcomed the members of the IFLA Africa section to Makerere University. He noted and appreciated the role of Libraries in access to knowledge and information. He proposed that IFLA should encourage Librarians to create oral corners in the Libraries where people will go and be able to tell their stories. He also advised libraries to have a collection of maps as well as introducing virtual libraries whereby people can access information using mobile telephones.

Dr. Helen Byamugisha, the Ag. Makerere University Librarian equally welcomed the guests to Makerere University and especially to the Library.  She observed that Makerere University Library was privileged to have some of the Library staff attend the meeting as observers and interact with IFLA Africa Section committee members. 

IFLA's Manager of Development Programmes, Ingrid Bon is in attendance and she is a panelist on Expert Panel Discussion 2 during the SCECSAL  conference: "Contributions to SDGs in the SCECSAL region on 27th April. This discussion will reflect on strategies to enhance LIS contributions for the attainment of the UN 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the region.

Don’t miss the second pre-conference SCANUL-ECS due for Sunday 22nd April at Imperial Golf View Hotel, Entebbe. 

SCECSAL 2018 conference kicks off on Monday, 23 April

Look out for stories from Entebbe

The XXIII SCECSAL conference kicks off on Monday, 23 April to 27 April, in Entebbe, Uganda and the SCECSAL Forum reporting team will be on the ground to cover the event.

Stories and photos from the conference venue, the Imperial Resort Beach Hotel located on the shores of Lake Victoria,  will be posted on this Forum from Sunday, 22 April.

Look out for reports on the pre-conference events, conference opening session, SCECSAL Awards ceremony, key decisions from the SCECSAL General Council Business meeting, SCECSAL Cultural Evening event, host country for SCECSAL 2022 conference, and the conference resolutions, among others.

You can participate in the event by:

• following @SCECSAL and re-tweet content;
• tweeting content related to the Entebbe conference and other stories from the SCECSAL Forum blog;
• using #SCECSAL2018 hash tag.

Important Information for XXIII SCECSAL Delegates

Final Programme

The National Organsing Committee (NOC) XXIII SCECSAL 2018 is proud to announce the release of the final conference programme for the XXIII SCECSAL  due in Entebbe next week.  Over fifty library and information experts are expected to present papers and posters as well as participate in the expert panel discussions at the conference. You can now find a copy of the final program on the ULIA and SCECSAL websites. 

Weather in Entebbe and Uganda

The country is currently experiencing heavy rainfall and the weather is expected to be more cloudy than sunny for the next three weeks. You are kindly advised to carry less light clothes and more heavy clothes especially for outdoor activities like cultural gala, excursions and evening walks. Entebbe is very cold at night because of the great Lake Victoria. 

Visas

By now, delegates should have applied and received their visas or about to receive them for delegates who are required to have Ugandan visas before boarding the plane. Those who are eligible to obtaining visas on arrival should ensure that they possess the necessary paperwork to allow them enter Uganda. These include a valid passport, yellow fever vaccination card, return air ticket, invitation letter from ULIA, proof of residence (Hotel Booking) extra. These may vary according on your country of origin but you are strongly advised to carry along all and others. 

Cultural evening and related events

The cultural evening is the opportunity given to showcase cultural presentations from the participating countries. Every country is invited to present  a 5 minutes performance giving a sample of their culture (dance, song, etc.). We take your attention on the timing due to the quantity of countries performing. Delegates are advised to come well prepared with their traditional presentations. Come fired up to challenge the reigning champion Lesotho. 

The hosts have organized a number of tours for delegates on Wednesday, 25 April 2018. The tours, classified into two categories, will include visits to the Namugongo Martrys' Shrines, Uganda Museum and Buganda Kingdom Kasubi tombs, all under Category I; and to the Source of the Nile and Sezibwa Falls and the Crocodile Village – Buwam, under Category II. The cost per person, to be paid to ULIA, is US$20 for Category I tours and US$40 for Category II. Conference delegates planning to go on any of the tours should indicate their preference to secretariat@ulia.org.ug not later than 20 April 2018.

SCANUL-ECS 2018 Pre conference 

The customary pre- conference is co-hosted by NLU and CUUL. The hosts are working in close partnership with the organizers of the Twenty-Third Standing Conference of Eastern, Central and Southern African Library and Information Associations (SCECSAL XXIII). SCANUL-ECS will be held on Sunday 22nd April at Imperial Golf View Hotel, Entebbe. The pre-conference will ride on the theme: Positioning National and University Libraries to Achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).  The delegates’ fee for this pre-conference is 50USD per delegate.  Contact haumban@gmail.com, or akatungisa@yahoo.com/akutungisa@nlu.go.ug for details of this pre-conference. 

N.B. The fees (50 USD) paid at the SCANUL-ECS are NOT in any way part of the fees paid for SCECSAL. 

      

Culture and Atmosphere around Entebbe

Entebbe is a town on a peninsula in Lake Victoria, in Central Uganda about 38 kilometers away from the capital city. The town is relatively quiet during the day and extremely quite during the night save for the sporadic echoes of aircrafts landing and taking off from the main airport in the area.  The area is endowed with busy beaches and  so many gorgeous features to view as well as the lakeside Uganda Wildlife Education Centre which protects native animals in wetlands, forest and savanna habitats. Nearby, Entebbe Botanical Garden has diverse plants, birds and monkeys. Also close by is the Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary, which protects orphaned chimps. Come ready to view all the above and more. Entebbe has a pleasant climate for you to enjoy – it is on Lake Victoria and you can reach various choice destinations from here, most of them a short drive, or boat ride, now even  by plane or helicopter.  Don’t miss out on what Entebbe and the surrounding area has to offer .

Power Sockets

In Uganda, type G sockets are used for electricity connections. They are commonly and cheaply available on the local market.  The standard voltage in Uganda is 240 V and the frequency is 50 Hz. You can use your electric appliances in Uganda, if the standard voltage in your country is in between 220 - 240 V.

Airport pickups and Mode of transport. 

Our visitors who will safari Uganda have got variety of transport means which you can use when you are in the country. These include local motorcycle transporters  commonly known as “Boda-Boda”, Commuter Taxis, Special Hire vehicles, passenger buses and Uber. Foreign  delegates are advised to seek advice from their local counterparts on which mode of transport to use while in Uganda. Boda Bodas are fun to use and explore but you are highly advised to use it only if you are wearing a head gear (Helmet). 

Food. 

Meat or chicken stews are popular in Uganda served with rice, chapatti, ugali (a stiff maize porridge) or matoke (a cooked plantain/banana mash). For a sweet dish, locals enjoy a type of doughnut called mandazi. With Uganda's many lakes and rivers, fish are an important food. However, almost all the hotels in Uganda offer continental cuisines ranging from 5 to 20 USD.

Airport Pick and Drop

The Organizers of SCECSAL 2018 are offering complementary airport pick and drop for delegates arriving from 21st of April before 10 pm. Delegates who are interested in this service should send their flight details to Mr. Jospert Chelangat email: jochelangat@gmail.com and hotel of  residence. Most hotels offer complimentary pick and drop. Find out from the hotel you booked or else, give us your itinerary and we shall pick you from the airport upon arrival. A team of volunteers and officials will be stationed at the Airport Arrival Terminal with the huge Poster marked “SCECSAL 2018”. Kindly introduce yourself to that team on arrival at Entebbe International Airport and they will give you the necessary assistance.

On behalf of ULIA and the SCECSAL 2018 National Organizing Committee, we look forward to warmly receiving you in Uganda, the Pearl of Africa. . 

Final SCECSAL conference and tours' programmes released

The final programme for the XXIII SCECSAL conference has been released and more than 50 library and information experts are expected to present papers or participate in the expert panel discussions at the conference.

The XXIII SCECSAL conference, to be held in Entebbe, Uganda, from 23 to 27 April, is expected to attract participants from within and outside the SCECSAL region.

The Uganda Library and Information Association (ULIA), host for the conference, has also released the programme for the conference tours planned for Wednesday, 25 April 2018.

The tours, classified into two categories, will include visits to the Namugongo Martrys' Shrines, Uganda Museum and Buganda Kingdom Kasubi tombs, all under Category I; and to the Source of the Nile and Sezibwa Falls and the Crocodile Village – Buwam, under Category II.

The cost per person, to be paid to ULIA, is US$20 for Category I tours and US$40 for Category II.

Conference delegates planning to go on any of the tours should indicate their preference to secretariat@ulia.org.ug not later than 20 April 2018.

National University of Lesotho invites applications for post of university librarian

National University of Lesotho Administration Block (Photo: K. Kendall)

The National University of Lesotho (NUL) is is inviting qualified individuals to apply for the post of University Librarian.

The University Librarian is responsible for the administration of the library of the University and for the implementation of the policies of the University with respect to the development of the library and Information Systems.

Holders of Doctoral or Masters degree in Library and Information Studies or related fields, with the relevant experience in senior management, library and information systems administration, are invited to submit their applications for consideration.

For details, see - Advert for Position of University Librarian – Post No. 0045.

Preliminary programme for XXIII SCECSAL conference is out

The Uganda Library and Information Association (ULIA), host for the forthcoming XXIII SCECSAL conference, has published the preliminary programme for the conference.

The 2018 conference, to be held from 23 to 27 April, in Entebbe, Uganda, will be a mixture of paper presentations in plenary and parallel sessions, workshops, expert panel discussions and excursions.

ULIA has scheduled keynote addresses and they include an address by Mr. Augustine Omare-Okurut on Positioning LIS to Achieve SDGs; Dr. Shana Ponelis who will speak on Broadening Innovations in LIS Education; and Dr. Cornelius Gulere on Whose access? Whose tools? Whose information? Creative LIS Partnerships to achieve SDGs.

Several sessions on different themes are also planned during the five-day event including on SDGs and Libraries and Information Services in the SCECSAL Region; Open Science, Open Data and LIS and SDGs; ICTs and Library and Information Services; Effective Records Management to Fight Corruption, and Library and Information Services to Improve Health Care, among others.

Three Expert Panel discussions are included on the programme and will focus on the following topics:

• Is there a gap between LIS education and practice in the SCECSAL region? 
• Contributions to SDGs in the SCECSAL region: are LIS institutions and professionals on the right track? 
• Marakesh Treaty and its impact on access to information by persons with disabilities

Departing away from the normal practice of holding SCECSAL Council Business Meetings on the last day of the conference, the 2018 Council meeting will be a pre-conference event on 22 April, an arrangement that will ensure that the Council has enough time to discuss all the agenda items.

Wednesday, 25 April is reserved for excursions during the day and a Cultural Event in evening at which the SCECSAL Author of the Year and SCECSAL Excellence Awards be given.

CALL FOR PRE-CONFERENCE PARTICIPATION: SCANUL-ECS 2018

THE TWELVETH STANDING CONFERENCE OF AFRICAN NATIONAL AND UNIVERSITY LIBRARIANS IN EASTERN, CENTRAL AND SOUTHERN AFRICA (SCANUL-ECS 2018)

THEME: Positioning National and University Libraries to Achieve the Sustainable 

Development Goals (SDGS)

VENUE:        Imperial Resort Beach Hotel 

              Entebbe, Uganda

 Date:             Sunday 22nd April, 2018

      

The SCANUL-ECS 2018 National Task Force has the pleasure of inviting National and University Library Directors and other information professionals in Africa and beyond to the 12th Standing Conference of African National and University Librarians in Eastern, Central and Southern Africa (SCANUL-ECS) to be hosted by National Library of Uganda (NLU) and the Consortium of Uganda University Libraries (CUUL) in Entebbe, Uganda on 22nd April, 2018. It is the biggest conference for National and University Librarians on the continent and its purpose is to provide a platform for learning and sharing experiences on LIS developments in the region. Currently the conference has members from the following countries:  Angola, Botswana, Burundi, Congo Republic, Democratic Republic of Congo, Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Lesotho, Malawi, Madagascar, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Rwanda, Seychelles, Somalia, South Africa, South Sudan, Sudan, Swaziland, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe. During the one day Pre-Conference, we shall receive presentations by delegates from across the region. 

SCANUL-ECS Regional Grouping

SCANUL-ECS has its origins in the Standing Conference of African University Librarians in the East African region (SCAULEA), which was founded in the mid 1960s.  This was a body whose aim was to ensure even library development in the then three constituent university colleges (Makerere, Nairobi and Dar- es Salaam) of the University of East Africa.  It ceased to exist in 1977 with the disbandment of the regional economic grouping, the East African Community.  In 1984, at a seminar in Botswana, the University Librarians in the region agreed to revive and expand SCAULEA and also to include national libraries.  A draft constitution was made and the first SCANUL-ECS was held in 1994 in Malawi as the first pre-conference to the Standing Conference of Eastern, Central and Southern African Librarians (SCECSAL)

Aims of the Conference

The SCANUL-ECS biennial conferences aims at bringing together National and University Library Directors to share views and experiences and discuss ways of cooperating.  The theme of the 12th   SCANUL-ECS is “Positioning National and University Libraries to Achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGS)”.  This theme was chosen out of the recognition that libraries are a hub to development at all levels (individual, national, regional and international) through provision of timely and adequate information. 

Conference Organizers

The Pre- conference is co-hosted by The National Library of Uganda (NLU) and The Consortium of Uganda University Libraries (CUUL). The hosts are working in close partnership with the organizers of the Twenty-Third Standing Conference of Eastern, Central and Southern African Library and Information Associations (SCECSAL XXIII). The National Organizing Committee is made up of 2 members from NLU (Mr. Adonia Katungisa and Mrs. Stella Neekusa), 7 members from the CUUL: Mr. Eric Nelson Haumba, Ms. Judith Nannozi, Ms Monica Ntege, Ms. Jackline Kiwelu, Professor Hellen Byamugisha, Ms. Jessica Kalungi and Mrs. Harriet Ntege) as well as Ms Gertrude Kayaga Mulindwa (former Director of the National Library of Uganda) and Mr. Justin Kiyimba from Nambi Ssepuya Community Library. 

Important Information:

Conference venue

The conference will be held at the Imperial Resort Beach Hotel, Entebbe 

Conference Activities

During the one day pre-conference, we shall have presentations and discussions by delegates from across the region followed by the General Assembly.  Delegates who require detailed information or letters of Invitation for this pre-conference should contact: 

Mr. Adonia Katungisa Chairperson National Task Force:      akatungisa@yahoo.com

Mr. Eric Nelson Haumba, Secretary Organizing Committee.   haumban@gmail.com

Conference Registration Fees:

Delegates:               =    USD 50

Annual Subscription for Members/Institutions: = USD 100

NOTE: These fees are totally separate from  the main SCECSAL 2018 Conference fees.  

Getting to Uganda

By Road

One can travel to Uganda by road through the boarder with Kenya to the East, Tanzania to the South and Rwanda to the South West.

By Air

Uganda’s International Airport is located at Entebbe, on the shores of L. Victoria, 39km from Kampala and ten minutes’ drive away from the conference venue.  Several international air carriers operate regular flights to and from Entebbe.  Most hotels offer courtesy transport to and from the airport.

Immigration facilities

Visas and Passes

Any person intending to enter into Uganda should do so only for lawful purposes and in accordance with national immigration laws, guidelines and formalities.

All nationalities that require visa must obtain Uganda visas to facilitate their entry into the country. Uganda visas may be obtained at Uganda missions abroad or on arrival at the ports of entry in the country. 

For immigration on Visa & corresponding fees: https://www.immigration.go.ug/content/visas-and-passes.

Health Information

Uganda is generally a health country but there are incidences of Malaria and it would be wise to take anti-malarial tablets before travel, for those coming from Malaria-free areas.  Sleeping under a mosquito net is also advised and most hotels provide nets. Visitors to Uganda are required to have been vaccinated against yellow fever, so carry a valid yellow fever vaccination card.

The 12th SCANUL-ECS 2018 Organizing Committee is grateful for the support given by the following towards the organization of the pre- conference:
• Consortium of Uganda University Libraries (CUUL)
• National Library of Uganda
• Busitema University
• Uganda Christian University (UCU), Mukono

We look forward to seeing in Entebbe, Uganda in April 

SCECSAL Online Forum on Dgroups opens to LIS professionals in the region

The SCECSAL Online Forum on Dgroups.org is now open to all library and information service (LIS) professionals in the SCECSAL region and those interested in joining the community should complete an application form on the Forum’s page and provide all the details requested on the form.

Applications with missing information will be rejected.

The Forum was set up in October 2013 with the aim to enhance sharing of information about good practices, current trends, and developments within the library and information profession in the SCECSAL region.

However, the forum has been serving as a platform of the SCECSAL General Council members to discuss SCECSAL business in between the SCECSAL biennial conferences.

The platform will now be used for online discussions on issues affecting the LIS profession in the SCECSAL region; dissemination of information on SCECSAL events such as conferences, seminars, webinars and meetings; communication of the SCECSAL General Council’s decisions; and sharing good practices from the region.

Membership is only open to LIS professionals from SCECSAL countries. 

Early Bird Registration Deadline Extended

The SCECSAL 2018 National Organising Committee (NOC) is pleased to inform all the prospective delegates, participants, paper presenters, Exhibitors and the entire LIS fraternity across the region and globally that the deadline for early bird registration has been extended to Wednesday 14th February 2018. Take advantage of the deadline extension to register and pay 360 US Dollars.

To register for the conference, visit http://www.ulia.org.ug/ and select the “Register Online” option in the SCECSAL@40 flashing simulation. 

Delegates, Paper Presenters and Exhibitors who require SCECSAL invoices to process funding at their respective Institutions are kindly advised to contact SCECSAL 2018 Treasurer Miss Sarah Kagoda-Butuwa at: sarahkago@yahoo.com. Delegates who require Invitation letters and Paper Presenters who may wish to get Acceptance Letters from the conference organisers can contact Dr Sarah Kaddu at: sarkaddu@yahoo.com, and copy cbatambuze@gmail.com, haumban@gmail.com. Those interested in accommodation information should contact Mr. Jospert Chelangat at: jochelangat@gmail.com.

Poster Presenters who haven’t submitted their posters are required to do so immediately to the Chairperson Programs and Presentations Sub-Committee  Ms Gertrude Kayaga Mulindwa at  kayaga@hotmail.com and copy to haumban@gmail.com,  burosta@gmail.com. 

Early Bird Registration (Deadline 14th February, 2018) = USD 360

Late Registration (by 31 st March 2018) = USD 400

Onsite Registration (from 24 th April 2018) = USD 430

Rental fees for Exhibition stalls (2 x 2 metres) = USD 200

On behalf of ULIA and SCECSAL 2018 NOC, we wish you fruitful preparations and we look forward to seeing you in Entebbe for SCECSAL come April 2018. 

SCECSAL introduces Excellence Award

Nomination period for 2018 awards closes on 28 February

The Standing Conference of Eastern, Central and Southern Africa Library and Information Associations (SCECSAL) has introduce the SCECSAL Excellence Award to honour and recognize individuals that have made outstanding contributions to the organization.

The first awards will be made at the XXIII SCECSAL Conference to be held in Entebbe, Uganda, from 23 to 27 April 2018, forty-four years from the first SCECSAL conference in 1974.

Individuals, regardless of country of residence, who have made outstanding contribution to the development and growth of SCECSAL, are eligible for nomination for the award.

SCECSAL was established following the dissolution of the East African Library Association (EALA) in 1972. However, EALA’s biennial conference was retained and renamed to the Standing Conference of Eastern, and Central African Librarians (SCECAL) and the first conference under the new name was held in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, in 1974.

Since 1974, several individuals have played a key role in the development and sustainability of the operations of SCECAL, and now SCECSAL renamed after library and information associations from Southern Africa started participating in the conference.

SCECSAL Secretariat, based in Swaziland, has asked member Associations to send their nominations for the award by 28 February 2018.

Be part of the #SCECSAL2018 social media team

The XXIII SCECSAL conference is fast approaching and you can be part of the SCECSAL Social Media team and contribute to keeping the world abreast of happenings in the library and information services field in the region.

SCECSAL 2018 is scheduled to take place on 23-27 April in Entebbe, Uganda and we are looking for participants at the conference willing to report live from the event.

Start participating in SCECSAL media activities immediately by:

• following @SCECSAL and re-tweet content;
• tweeting content related to the Entebbe conference and other stories from the SCECSAL Forum blog;
• writing or proposing articles for the SCECSAL Forum blog;
• using #SCECSAL2018 hash tag.

#SCECSAL2018 will be an exciting event and you should be there.

Be part of the #SCECSAL2018 social media team and send your request to join the team or contributions to scecsalforum@scecsal.org.

Online registration opens for XXIII SCECSAL conference planned for 23-27 April 2018

Early bird registration closes on 31 January

The Uganda Library and Information Association (ULIA) has opened online registration for the XXIII SCECSAL conference, to be held 23-27 April 2018 in Entebbe, Uganda at the Imperial Resort Beach Hotel.

Early bird registration for the conference closes on 31 January 2018.

Below are the applicable fees for the distinct categories of registration:

• Early Bird Registration (deadline 31st January 2018) – US$ 360
• Late Registration (by 31st March 2018) – US$ 400
• Onsite Registration (from 24th April 2018) – US$ 430
• Rental fees for Exhibition stalls (2 x 2 metres) – US$ 200

Click here to register for the XXIII SCECSAL Conference.

Click here for more information about the conference, including accommodation, entry visa information, etc.

Inquiries regarding online registration should be sent to: sarahkago@yahoo.com and sarkaddu2@gmail.com.

EIFL public library training initiative in Zambia

New partnership with Library and Information Association of Zambia to build library ICT and new service development capacity

by Jean Fairbairn, EIFL

Given Mwenda Besa, manager at Ngwerere Lubuto Library in Lusaka, and
 Allan Hagwelele Mudenda, from the Provincial Education Office, which
manages libraries in Zambia’s Southern Province, are among the 24
librarians who will take part in the training.

EIFL is delighted to announce a partnership with the Library and Information Association of Zambia (LIAZ) for a national initiative that will build digital technology and professional skills of public library staff to enable them to initiate new public library services that use technology to meet community needs.

The initiative targets 12 public libraries in Zambia that are already equipped with computers and the internet. Two librarians from each of the 12 libraries will take part in the training.

This is EIFL’s fifth national capacity building initiative for public librarians in Africa. Since 2014, EIFL has launched similar initiatives in Ghana, Kenya, Uganda, and Ethiopia, working with local partners in those countries

Training Content and Timeline

The training takes place from January to October 2018. It adapts and expands the four-module curriculum successfully tested in Ghana, Kenya and Uganda. During the training, the 24 librarians will develop action plans for initiation of innovative services that use ICT at their libraries.

The four modules are:

• Advanced computer literacy for librarians (Module 1)
• Internet Resources and Searching (Module 2)
• New public library services  (Module 3)
• Communication, Advocacy and Awareness-raising for public libraries (Module 4)

In addition, the Zambian librarians will attend training in a fifth module. The ‘Social Learning Circles for Online Learners’ module developed out of a pilot project in which EIFL partnered with the US-based non-profit organization, Peer to Peer University, and Kenya National Library Service. Learning Circles are lightly-facilitated in-person study groups for online learners. As a result of the pilot project, they are now being offered in 15 public libraries in Kenya. (Read more about the pilot project and its impact.)

'Truly National Training'

“LIAZ is extremely happy to partner with EIFL in this project. Times have changed, computers and the internet have become essential information tools, and Zambian librarians need new skills to use this technology to provide better services,” said Ms Velenasi Mwale Munsanje, the immediate past President of LIAZ , who is coordinating this project.

“What makes this training unique is that it is truly national. In Zambia, there are three sectors of public libraries: public libraries run by the Ministry of General Education, those run by Local government, and libraries managed by Lubuto Library partners, which is a non-governmental organization. In the past, the tendency has been for each sector to organize separate training for its librarians. The EIFL training brings together public librarians from all three sectors, and from eight provinces."

While the training is underway, LIAZ will be conducting advocacy with government and the private sector to encourage resourcing of public libraries with computers and the internet. “We hope that by the end of the year, some of the other public libraries will be equipped with computers and the internet for public use,” said Munsanje.

Further Information

The Library and Information Association of Zambia (LIAZ) is a membership-based non-profit organization that unites and supports institutions and people working in libraries and information services in Zambia.

The EIFL Public Library Innovation Programme (EIFL-PLIP) advances community development by enabling public libraries to implement innovative ideas that use technology to improve people’s lives and livelihoods.

Read more about EIFL’s capacity building initiative for public libraries in Africa, and its impact.

Mark your 2018 calendar for the XXIIIrd SCECSAL conference in Entebbe

The Twenty-Third Standing Conference of Eastern, Central Southern African Library and Information Associations (SCECSAL) is four months away and if you have not yet made the decision to attend the event, it is now time to do so.

The biennial SCECSAL conference is the largest regional gathering of library and information professionals in Africa and the 2018 event, from 23 to 28 April, will be no different as more than 300 participants and exhibitors from within and outside the continent are expected to descend on the City of Entebbe located on the shores of Lake Victoria, Africa's largest lake.

The host, Uganda Library and Information Association (ULIA), is in addition to the normal professional programme featuring keynote speakers and paper presenters, preparing a programme that will also include social events such visits to some tourist sites in Uganda and a cultural evening at which conference participants from each country will be required to form a group and participate in a dancing competition.

The SCECSAL General Council, the highest decision-making body of the organization, will also meet during the conference and is expected to adopt the amended SCECSAL constitution, the guidelines for selecting a member Association that will host the SCECSAL permanent Secretariat, get an updated from the Namibian Information Workers Association (NIWA), host for the 2020 conference, and decide on the member Association to host the conference in 2022.

The decision to amend the constitution and establish a permanent Secretariat was made by the General Council at the XXII SCECSAL conference in Ezulwini, Swaziland in 2016 following discussions and resolutions on how to improve SCECSAL operations.

The Entebbe conference will also see the re-introduction of the SCECSAL Author of the Year awards after a 16-year absence having last been awarded at SCECSAL 2002 in Johannesburg, South Africa hosted by the Library and Information Association of South Africa (LIASA).

The call for nominations for the 2018 SCECSAL Author Awards closed on 31 December 2017.

Entebbe Mayor extends invitation to library and information professionals to XXIII SCECSAL conference

Entebbe Mayor Vincent De Paul Kayanja

Mayor of the Municipality of Entebbe Vincent De Paul Kayanja has extended an invitation to library
and information professionals to travel to Entebbe to take part in the memorable XXIII SCECSAL conference and enjoy all that the city has to offer.

Mr Kayanja extended the invitation in a letter made available to the Uganda Library and Information Association (ULIA) on Monday.

“Entebbe will have a great opportunity to host SCECSAL for the third time in Uganda when it is forty (40) years”, Mr, Kayanja wrote.

“From 23rd -28th April 2018, Entebbe will proudly exhibit her hospitality, cultural richness, beautiful beaches, Botanical gardens and wildlife”, Mr Kayanja added.

ULIA will host the SCECSAL Conference for the third time in the history of SCECSAL having previously hosted the regional event in 1990 and 2004.

The conference in 2018 is expected to attract library and information professionals from 11 active SCECSAL countries - Botswana, Kenya, Lesotho, Malawi, Namibia, South Africa, Swaziland, Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe and the host country, Uganda, - in addition to participants coming from outside the SCECSAL region.