14 Aug 2013

Changes in information needs and management dynamics over the years have made it imperative to provide strategic direction on collection of and access to information in the library environment.

This was said by the Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Mr Shaw Kgathi when presenting the draft National library Policy, 2013 in Parliament recently.

Mr Kgathi said the need for a Library Policy is critical to harmonise the provision of library services and set parameters for information services in Botswana.

Mr Kgathi explained the provision of library services and information infrastructure have rapidly evolved over the years thus there was need for effective and modernised public library systems that offered not only book based information but also information in multi-media form. 

He said to improve library services infrastructure, his ministry undertook construction and extension of 13 public libraries and maintenance of 30 village reading rooms across Botswana between 2009 and 2013.

Mr Kgathi said that to date 72 out of 78 public libraries had computers connected and of these 41 have internet connectivity and are accessible to the public, adding that this had improved the profile of libraries and increased their usage.

“My ministry has therefore developed a draft national library policy to address this. The policy identifies critical information management and use strategies and pronounces government’s position on the provision of library services,” he said.

He explained that the proposed Library Policy would increase accessibility to library and information resources to develop a knowledge society as well as develop and preserve a national literary heritage collection that is inclusive in all respects of the lives of Batswana.

“The objectives of the Policy are to increase the level of community participation, partnership and contribution to the provision of library and information services as well as promote and support investment in development of libraries and information programmes by development partners and stakeholders,” he said.

Other objectives of the proposed policy are to improve the management of libraries at both local and national level through relevant legislation, policies and procedures, as well as create awareness among communities about the value of library and information resources and promote a culture of reading in Botswana. ENDS