21 May 2018

Parliament will host the 2018 conference themed: Realigning parliamentary library services achievement of SDGs, scheduled for May 28 to June 1 at Gaborone International Convention Centre.

A press release states that it is in accordance with the Parliament of Botswana’s responsibility as a subscribing member of the Association of Parliamentary Libraries in the Eastern and Southern Africa (APLESA).

The objectives of APLESA, states the release, include promoting cooperation and resource sharing amongst member parliaments, promoting communication and networking, promoting capacity building amongst members and promoting best practices in service delivery within parliamentary libraries.

The release explains that in the past, APLESA has and continues to work with international organisations such as the International Federation of Library Association (IFLA), International Network for the Availability of Scientific

Publications and International Development Research Centre.

It says APLESA is the only regional conference that caters for parliamentary libraries and information services in Africa.

“It is a stimulating week of presentations, interactive sessions and discussions that brings parliamentary librarians and information professionals to address issues of mutual interest and challenges related to legislative information and library and information services,” states the release.

It explains that the conference delegates will have the opportunity to share experiences and knowledge through in-depth analysis, panel discussions and networking.

It says the benefits of hosting the conference is that Botswana as a host will have the opportunity to influence the agenda from a local perspective.

The hosting of the conference will  also serve as a sign of Parliament of Botswana’s commitment to the regional association.

Other advantages for hosting the conference will allow Botswana to showcase its culture and tourism attraction to the delegates. The conference will give parliamentary library and information professionals a chance to discuss, share experiences, innovations and development ideas amongst themselves. Ends