ZAMBIA needs to reposition herself in the
Information and Communication Technology (ICT) revolution by putting in place
infrastructure to facilitate better knowledge gathering, processing,
distribution, access and application Education Deputy Minister, Patrick Ngoma has
said.
Mr. Ngoma
noted that despite a lot of advancement that had been made in the area of ICT,
there were a lot of challenges which should be addressed. He said digital
libraries were becoming more prevalent worldwide and hence the need for
librarians to ensure that digital devices were significantly embraced.
He was
speaking in Livingstone on Saturday when he officially opened the 2012 Zambia Library Association (ZLA) annual conference,
whose theme was 'Information for sustainable development in a digital
environment'. He noted that the culture of reading in Zambia left much to be
desired, hence the need for all stakeholders including ZLA to help improve the
culture of reading.
He said the
Patriotic Front (PF) Government was committed to improving literacy levels in
Zambia through the establishment of well-stocked libraries in all learning
institutions in the country. The Government would also support every effort
aimed at enacting legislation on library and information services.
"My
Government is determined to continue supporting the library profession to
ensure that it facilitates objectives of providing information to citizens of
Zambia," he said. He said ICT should be at the core of the work of
libraries in Zambia, adding that there was need to train information
professionals in the management of electronic information by equipping them
with appropriate skills.
"There is
no doubt that the future of knowledge creation and information sharing lies in
electronic networks in the 21st Century.”We should ensure that all libraries
are well equipped with electronic and print materials. I know that some
institutions such as Copperbelt University and University of Zambia have
advanced in digitalizing thesis collection," he said.
The Deputy
Minister said although digital libraries were expensive, it was important for
Zambia to consider investing in such facilities as it stood to benefit in the
long term. "The PF Government recognizes and appreciates the important
role information plays towards national development.
"We
stand ready to partner with ZLA and other partners to develop the library profession
in Zambia," he said.
Speaking at the same function, ZLA president Francina Makondo thanked the
Government for valuing the library profession. Ms Makondo said Zambia was
currently characterised by uncoordinated and undeveloped library and
information services.
She said
with economic challenges in the country, funding and development of library and
information services had continued to dwindle over the years. Southern Province
Assistant Secretary, Peter Mwinde, who represented Provincial Minister Obvious
Mwaliteta at the function, noted that people could not advance in their
education in the absence of well-stocked libraries.
Times of Zambia