Online Reporter
Daniel Chigunwe
Herald Correspondent
AS Zimbabwe accelerates the implementation of National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2), librarians and information professionals are repositioning themselves as critical players in building a knowledge-driven economy anchored on innovation, technology and human capital development.
The Zimbabwe Library Association (ZimLA) Mashonaland Branch says this year’s Librarians’ Day celebrations will focus on reimagining the profession to align with emerging technologies, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), cybersecurity and digital literacy.
The celebrations slated for this week in Harare will run under the theme: “Librarianship Re-Imagined: Crafting Our Future Identity.”
Speaking ahead of the event, ZimLA Mashonaland Branch Advocacy Officer Mr Emmanuel Choga said libraries remained strategic institutions in supporting the country’s development agenda as articulated in NDS2.
“In a time where threats of data breaches, misinformation and disinformation have become rampant, libraries play a critical role in ensuring citizens acquire the skills to navigate the digital economy and access reliable information,” he said.
Mr Choga said libraries were no longer confined to the traditional role of storing books, but had evolved into innovation hubs that expose communities to modern technologies and digital skills.
“Libraries are now centres of innovation, human capital development and knowledge production. They help ordinary citizens appreciate their role in national development while also empowering communities with technological skills applicable in sectors such as agriculture, mining and heritage preservation,” he said.
He added that the profession was undergoing rapid transformation, hence the need for librarians to continuously upskill in line with global technological trends.
“Our expectation is that librarians should champion the adoption of AI in education, training and the economy. This is in line with Zimbabwe’s broader vision of leveraging Science, Technology and Innovation for economic growth,” he said.
ZimLA Mashonaland Branch chairperson Dr Blessing Chiparausha said the commemorations would bring together library and information professionals from higher and tertiary institutions, Government ministries, schools, NGOs, the corporate sector and professional bodies.
“The day provides an important platform for networking, collaboration and sharing success stories across institutions. It also allows professionals to reflect on how the sector can contribute towards the realisation of Vision 2030 and Agenda 2063,” said Dr Chiparausha.
He said one of the major highlights would be a high-level panel discussion featuring experts from Government, private institutions and the corporate sector focusing on the future of librarianship in the digital era.
“The discussions will unpack the ongoing transition within the profession and explore how libraries can align with emerging technologies and industry standards,” he said.
The event comes at a time when Zimbabwe is intensifying efforts to modernise education systems, expand digital inclusion and strengthen innovation ecosystems under NDS2.
