About LIASA

Striving to unite, develop and empower all institutions and people in the library and information field

THE impetus towards the formation of a unified professional association for the LIS sector began in 1993 with the Transforming Library and Information Services (TRANSLIS) project. This was carried forward in 1995 by the conference on Libraries and Information Services in Developing South Africa (LISDESA), continued through the Unification of Library and Information Stakeholders Conference (ULIS 1) and finally culminated at the ULIS 2 Conference, held in Pretoria in July 1997. At this ULIS 2 Conference, the Library and Information Association of South Africa (LIASA) was established and then officially launched on July 10, 1997. In 2015, this day has been declared South African Librarians’ Days, which has become one of LIASA’s flagship programmes. The newly established association was aptly named LIASA, pronounced liyasa, meaning “the rising sun” in the Ngun languages, promising a new era for the Library and Information Services (LIS) sector in South Africa. In 2014, LIASA was recognised as the Professional Body for the Library and Information services sector of South Africa, a status that was renewed in 2019. This recognition is awarded by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) according to the NQF Amendment Act 12 of 2019. As the Professional Body, LIASA strives to unite, develop and empower all institutions and people in the library and information field to provide dynamic leadership in transforming, developing and sustaining library and information services (LIS) for all people in South Africa.

LIASA also represents the interests of and promotes the development and image of the library and information profession in South Africa, at local, provincial and national level to learners, the general public, government, and other agencies. Furthermore, LIASA represents the South African LIS sector at national and international level.

Vision

Dynamic association of excellence for the Library and Information Services sector.

Mission

The association that connects the LIS sector and promotes the development of South Africa through access to information.

Core Values

• Providing leadership excellence to the profession, nationally and internationally.

• Ensuring professional conduct.

• Engaging in the highest ethical practice.

• Acknowledging and respect the diversity and individuality of all people.

• Leading the development and growth of the LIS profession through excellence.

• Promote freedom of access to information as enshrined in the Constitution of SA.

• Championing the culture of reading and life-long learning to build an informed nation.

• Committing to the development and growth of South Africa through excellence in librarianship.

Background on South African Library Week

LIASA,through its diverse membership, is driving the process to make SALibrary Week acelebration of our country’s intellectual and literacy heritage. Libraries across the country use this annual event as an opportunity in which to market their servicesto users, the broader community, civil society and also decision makers.

SA Library Week was initiated in 2001 by LIASA to be a commemorative period during which all types of libraries across the country use it as an opportunity to market their services and create awarenessof the important role that libraries play in a democratic society, advancing literacy, making the basic human right of freedom of access to information a reality, and to promote tolerance and respect in society.

The choice of the date commemorates the establishment by government proclamation of the first public library, the South African Public Library, now the National Library of South Africa (Cape Town Campus), on March 20, 1818.

The South African Library, in fact, started off as a true public library and has established itself as a pioneering institution in South African library history.

Furthermore, on March 21, we celebrate Human Rights Day and our Bill of Rights recognises the freedom of access to information as a basic human right.

An important historical event is thus linked with a crucial date in our democracy.

SALW was officially celebrated for the first time in 2002.

The week constitutes a flagship LIASA project and is celebrated by all types of libraries across the country through programmes and activities.