Looking Back: Librarians told to help in reconstruction of economy

The Herald, 28 April 1980

MEMBERS of the Zimbabwe Library Association (ZLA) were urged at the end of their two-day conference yesterday to collect material needed for the reconstruction of the country’s economic and manpower needs.

The appeal was made by Mr Enos Chiura of the Delta Corporation who said he was critical of the lack of forward-looking attitudes among librarians.

It was necessary for them to have a sense of self-motivation.

LESSONS FOR TODAY

One of the major roles of librarians and information officers is to collect, organise, package and disseminate information that helps policy makers and implementers to craft economic, social and cultural development policies.

Information is a major element in the development matrix, thus libraries and librarians or information officers should ensure that their supportive role is realised throughout the policy-making cycle.

Information is power. Library and information professionals must ensure that their collections put their organisations on a competitive edge.

The global village has also seen the emergence of libraries without walls or virtual libraries where the Internet is now providing various forms of information in multi-media format. This calls for information officers with advanced skills, knowledge and understanding, since they are part of the value chain.