South African Library Week 2022

LIASA reimagines, repurposes and rediscovers libraries in South Africa

THE Library and Information Association (LIASA) is celebrating South African Library Week (SALW) for the 21st time in 2022. This year’s theme is Reimagine! Repurpose! Rediscover... Libraries, and takes place from March 14-20.

Libraries are being affected by the Covid-19 pandemic, with many still grappling with providing appropriate services or sometimes even unable to provide these in any meaningful way. Sectors of the Library and Information Services (LIS) have also responded differently, and this continues to be a cause for concern.

After reflecting on the changes wrought on our services and hence our profession, LIASA exhorts all in the LIS sector to reimagine and repurpose libraries so that communities will rediscover them. The theme for SALW 2022 will explore and interrogate ways in which libraries are having to:

• Reimagine their services and their ability to render those services,

• Repurpose both their spaces and their services to continue being effective in the communities that they serve, and in this way allowing users to

• Rediscover the library and the ways in which it benefits them.

The theme for 2022 builds on the 2021 theme of “Libraries Matter!” by moving the narrative from one of confirming relevance to one of demonstrating how libraries continue to be relevant in society.

The 2022 theme will also echo throughout the year, as LIASA celebrates 25 years of being the association for LIS in South Africa.

LIASA, throughout this year, will continue striving to reimagine itself and repurpose the association for a new generation of professionals and in this way, help the sector rediscover LIASA as a professional body for everyone.