Veep officially opens SCECSAL

Vice President Mutale Nalumango says government remains committed to supporting technological growth as part of national development efforts.

And Mrs Nalumango has urged librarians and information professionals to adapt to the rapidly changing digital world in order to remain relevant and effective.

The media reports that the Vice President noted that libraries continue to play a critical role in improving literacy levels and promoting access to knowledge among citizens.

Mrs Nalumango was speaking in Livingstone this morning when she officially opened the 27th Standing Conference of Eastern, Central and Southern Africa Library and Information Associations.

“Government has facilitated the development of the country’s National Library Policy, aimed at strengthening and improving library and information services across Zambia,” the Vice President added.

President of the Standing Conference of Eastern, Central and Southern African Library and Information Associations (SCECSAL), Jacinta Were, said the association is proud that its permanent office is now registered in Zambia.

Mrs Were said the establishment of the office and secretariat in Zambia demonstrates the commitment the government has placed on the growth and welfare of library and information services.

She noted that Zambia’s support reflects recognition of the important role libraries play in education, research and national development.

Mrs Were also urged libraries across the region to evolve and embrace emerging technologies, particularly Artificial Intelligence.

She said adopting AI would help modernise library services, improve access to information and ensure institutions remain relevant in a fast-changing digital world.

And Zambia Library and Information Association (LIAZ) President Mubanga Lumpa indicated that the Association remains hopeful that the library and information profession will soon be formally regulated through registration.

Mr Lumpa said registering the profession would help enhance transparency, accountability and professionalism in the management of information in both the public and private sectors.

Mr Lumpa said the move would ensure that qualified and ethical practitioners are entrusted with handling information resources, records and knowledge systems.

He noted that regulation of the profession would also promote higher standards of service delivery, strengthen public trust and improve access to credible information.

Mr Lumpa added that LIAZ remains committed to engaging relevant stakeholders to see the registration process successfully implemented.

The theme for the conference was ” African Libraries and Information Services at the New Crossroads”.