The IFLA Global Vision Project in Zimbabwe: Towards a Unified Field Road Map for Libraries

Collence Takaingenhamo Chisita; Nyarai  Patience Chibanda

doi:10.25159/2663-659X/6036

Authors

Collence Takaingenhamo Chisita University of South Africa https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7375-8627
Nyarai Patience Chibanda Midlands State University https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1868-890X

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.25159/2663-659X/6036

Keywords:

IFLA Global Vision, Zimbabwe Library Association, cooperation, collaboration.

Abstract

The development of libraries in any country is critical for its socio-economic transformation especially during this 21st century era where access to information and knowledge underpins development. The International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) launched the Global Vision Project in 2017 as a way of strengthening library throughout the world. The project has seen over 190 countries participating worldwide. For most nations, especially those in the developing countries, this has indeed created platforms for strong and united library associations that are powering literate, informed and participative societies. A number of countries in Africa including Zimbabwe have taken the initiatives to participate in the IFLA Global Vision. This article seeks to examine the challenges and opportunitiesÂ Â for librarians in Zimbabwe in building a united library field. It will also scrutinize the road travelled by librarians in Zimbabwe in their pursuit of a vision to reposition their libraries on the global library landscape. TheÂ Â article will also study the factors affecting the development of a unified library sector in Zimbabwe. It will also explore how the national professional association Zimbabwe Library Association (ZIMLA) can contribute towards a unified library profession through collaboration. The article also proposes a strategy to enhance cooperation among librarians in Zimbabwe.

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Author Biographies

Collence Takaingenhamo Chisita, University of South Africa

Collence Takaingenhamo Chisita is a Research Fellow based at theÂ University of South Africa (UNISA) DepartmentÂ ofÂ Information Sciences. He specialises in lecturing and researching various subjects ranging from the use of modern technologies in Information Management, Information Retrieval, Research and Knowledge Management. Chisita has a keen and wider interest in the modern technologies of the knowledge age. Chisita is a holder of a PHD in Information Sciences, Master of Science in LIS , Bachelor of English and Communications, Higher Diploma in Information Sciences, Diploma in Public Relations and Communications.. His doctoral research thesis explores the concept of resource sharing in the digital age and it also analyses the challenges and opportunities of the new trajectory of open access models. Chisita is a renowned writer and speaker who has presented papers at various fora.

Collence Takaingenhamo Chisita is a Principal Lecturer and Researcher based at Harare Polytechnic's School of Information Sciences. He specialises in lecturing and researching on various subjects ranging from the use of modern technologies in Information Management, Information Retrieval, Research and Knowledge Management. Chisita has a keen and wider interest in the modern technologies of the knowledge age. Chisita is a holder of a PHD in Information Sciences, Master of Science in LIS , Bachelor of English and Communications, Higher Diploma in Information Sciences, and Diploma in Public Relations and Communications.

Nyarai Patience Chibanda, Midlands State University

Ms Nyarai Chibanda is the Director of Libraries at the Midlands State University in Gweriu in Zimbabwe . She is a holder of a Master of Science in Information Sciences and she is currently studying for a PHD with the University of KwaZulu-Natal. She is an active member of the Zimbabwe Library Association (ZIMLA), Zimbabwe University Library Consortium ( ZULC) and IFLA.