Govt appoints council to digitise library services
HARARE – ZIMBABWE has taken a major step in digitising its national libraries and information service system, following the inauguration of a statutory body to spearhead the process.
Torerayi Moyo, the Minister of Primary and Secondary Education, has inaugurated the body – the National Libraries and Documentation Service (NLDS) Council – tasked with driving digital transformation and technological innovation to ensure the library system evolves into a modern hub of knowledge, research and inclusive access.
The council was inaugurated on Wednesday.
Agnes Chikonzo, Librarian at the University of Zimbabwe, has been appointed the chairperson of the council.
“Her distinguished leadership in academic librarianship and digital information management will guide this transformation,” Moyo said.
He said the digitisation of such services was central to advancing Vision 2030, a blueprint to build a prosperous, upper-middle-income Zimbabwe.
Moyo believes the council will enhance professionalism, expand equitable access to information and mobilise partnerships that position Zimbabwe’s libraries as engines of innovation, learning and national productivity.
“I look forward to working closely with the council to ensure that the light of knowledge reaches every classroom, every community and every citizen of our motherland,” Moyo added.
The council is established under the National Library and Documentation Service Act.
The Act provides the legal framework to promote, coordinate and develop high-standard library and documentation services in Zimbabwe.
It provides for a Council to advise the relevant Minister on the administration of the service and the creation of regulations.
– CAJ News
