Chronicle Editor
Leonard Ncube and Tracey Moyo
LIBRARIANS in Zimbabwe have been challenged to embrace modern trends in the field and seek to network with the outside world for continuous development of the profession.
Giving welcome remarks on the first day of the Zimbabwe University Libraries Consortium (ZULC) 2024 Biennial Conference in Victoria Falls on Tuesday, Dr Rosemary Maturure, a librarian at the Africa University who also chairs the consortium, implored librarians to seek to learn from global trends.
She said the library field was facing numerous challenges, which need them to work together and embrace modern practices.
ZULC is a group of private and state university libraries in Zimbabwe that have come together to form a consortium to collectively acquire relevant information resources to support the delivery of Heritage-Based Education 5.0 in universities.
Delegates comprise mostly librarians and academics from tertiary institutions across the country.
“We should seek to network. Let’s make connections because your network is our network,” said Dr Maturure.
The conference, which ends today, is being held under the theme: “Positioning Libraries in the Fourth Industrial Revolution.”
Dr Maturure said the libraries conference was a platform for collective acquisition of learning resources for academic libraries, and an opportunity to learn from each other through sharing knowledge and experiences.
It also seeks to encourage focus on the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
ZULC began to implement the sharing of information, knowledge and experiences by its members and other interested professionals by way of workshops and conferences.
“This gathering represents a remarkable coming together of brilliant minds, industry experts, researchers, and professionals from various fields.
“Today, we have the unique opportunity to engage in stimulating discussions, share valuable insights, and foster meaningful connections that will undoubtedly shape the future of positioning Libraries in the 4th Industrial Revolution.
“Conferences like this serve as a vital platform for knowledge exchange, innovation and collaboration. They bring together diverse perspectives, ignite new ideas and inspire collective efforts towards addressing the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead,” said Dr Maturure.
“It is within these walls that ground-breaking research is presented, transformative concepts are explored and collaborations are forged that have the potential to drive progress and change lives.”
She said the theme resonates deeply with the current landscape and emerging trends and a shared commitment to pushing boundaries, embracing innovation and finding novel solutions to the complex issues.
“Let us remember that the true value of a conference lies not only in the knowledge gained or the connections made but also in the relationships built and the ideas sparked that continue to resonate long after the event concludes,” said Dr Maturure.
“So, let us embrace this opportunity with open minds, open hearts and a genuine spirit of collaboration.”
Online Reporter