The state of the National Library of South Africa

The Talking Point

Our next guests are deeply concerned about the recent developments surrounding the hiring process for the leadership vacancy at the National Library of South Africa (NLSA). The re-advertisement of this crucial position, with the omission of the title "National Librarian" and the dilution of Library and Information Science (LIS) qualifications from a requirement to a preference. Section 9 of the National Library of South Africa Act (Act 92 of 1998) specifies that the Board must appoint a chief executive officer, who is also known as the National Librarian, and is responsible for the management of the affairs of the National Library.This raises serious questions about the integrity of the process and the future of this vital institution.

The absence of a national librarian in South Africa's National Library of South Africa (NLSA) risks weakening the system where it may potentially undermining the preservation of national heritage and the advancement of library development in Africa. Specifically, it could lead to a lack of strategic leadership and coordination, potentially hindering the NLSA's ability to fulfill its role as a cultural institution and a provider of information services. We know the critical role librarians play in the lives of communities, not only as places of safety but aas places of learning and knowledge production as well. To tell us more about this, we are joined by…

Guest: Charlie Molepo - Deputy Director: Research & Scholarly Output Support at the University of the Free State (UFS) and President of the Library and Information Association of South Africa (2024 - 2027)

Guest: Dr Mashilo Modiba - Senior Lecturer in the Department of Information Science at the University of South Africa & Chairperson of the South African Information Services Union

Guest: Prof Lefose Makgahlela - Associate Professor and Programme Coordinator in the Programme of Information Studies in the Department of Communications, Media & Information Studies at the University of Limpopo and President-Elect of the Library and Information Association of South Africa (2027 -2030)