Story by Tamuka Charakupa
THE Zimbabwe Library Association held its 5th Annual Conference at Waterfront Resort in Kariba this Wednesday with government reiterating that every school should have a qualified librarian.
The annual conference brought together stakeholders in the education sector where deliberations focused on the role of libraries in the digital age.
The Minister of Primary and Secondary Education, Honourable Dr Torerayi Moyo said the government has plans to review the National Library and Documentation Services, which among other components will enforce the engagement of a qualified librarian at every school.
“It is my hope that the high-level discussions and collaborations at this conference will empower educators to utilise libraries as dynamic learning hubs, ensuring that our education systems are well-equipped to prepare students for success in a knowledge-driven economy.
“In line with the theme of the conference, our libraries serve as vital gateways to knowledge, offering resources that empower both individuals and communities. They are instrumental in bridging the digital divide, ensuring equitable access to information for all regardless of socioeconomic status.
“May I urge you of the initiative of “One School, One Library, One Librarian” which is a transformative vision that all schools should embrace and ensure that all learners benefit from the professional support of trained librarians.
“This initiative aligns with international guidelines, such as UNESCO’s recommendations on school libraries, which emphasize the importance of integrating library services into the educational framework to enhance learning outcomes,” said the Minister of Primary and Secondary Education, Dr Moyo.
The Zimbabwe Library Association President, Mr Macdonald Nhakura spoke on the role of libraries in fostering reading culture towards the attainment of Vision 2030.
“As librarians, we have a vital role in advancing Vision 2030. We contribute to this vision by equipping our communities with essential information literacy skills that empower individuals to navigate the complexities of the digital landscape. In a world where misinformation can spread as quickly as knowledge, our role as educators in information literacy has never been more important.
“We are now engaged in teaching our patrons not only how to find information but also how to evaluate it critically and ethically representing it to the next individual or community of leaders to foster innovation and commercialisation.”
“As we navigate the complexities of the digital era, we must recognize that knowledge is a pivotal asset in contemporary economies. The role of library and information professionals has never been more critical,” said the Zimbabwe Library Association vice president, Mrs Lindiwe Mupindiwa.
She added, “We are the custodians of knowledge, the guides in the vast ocean of information, and the innovators who drive change. Our responsibilities extend beyond traditional boundaries of issuing of books but we are positioned as ideation centres where all brainstorming sessions commence from while fostering creativity and innovation in our communities.”
Running under the theme “Positioning the Library and Information Profession in a Knowledge-Driven Economy”, the conference also sought ways to expand collaborations for advancing digital innovations in the sector.
The government is currently implementing the concept of digital libraries across the country with at least 1 500 schools having benefitted so far.
