LIBRARIES AND INFORMATION SERVICES:
AGENTS OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AND SOCIAL TRANSFORMATION
Welcome to the
2018 Annual Conference
Dear Colleagues,
It has indeed been an interesting journey for LIASA since its inception as a library association in 1997 and as part of this journey the Annual Conference is now emerging as a highlight on the library and information services (LIS) calendar.
As the Executive Committee we are committed to ensuring a conference that is exciting, stimulating, and thought-provoking and a platform that allows you to grow as a professional. To this end, it gives me great pleasure to invite you to the 19th LIASA Annual Conference to be held from 08 to 12 October 2018 at Cape Town International Convention Centre, Cape Town, Western Cape.
The theme adopted for the 2018 LIASA Annual Conference, LIS as agents of community development and social
Transformation, allows us to reflect on the current state of libraries and librarianship in South Africa and the future of the South African Library and Information services (LIS) sector.
Socio-economic, educational and political disruption continue to challenge LIS service delivery while the purpose and relevance of the LIS sector and its position in a developmental state is questioned continuously. Further forces impacting on libraries and library practice include ubiquitous advances in technology, shifting educational landscapes, changing community demographics, and national and global development imperatives.
A successful re-envisioning process is an active process of reflection on what is, and what can be; is inclusive; requires visionary leadership, strategic thinking and planning, and a willingness to change. The outcome hereof is amongst others a paradigm shift, an engaged workforce in a dynamic profession and a supportive community.
LIASA Conference 2018, therefore, gives you – the library leader, the librarian, information worker or other interested party – the opportunity to share your concerns, challenges, experiences, best practices and innovative solutions towards re-envisioning your organisation, your professional development and the LIS sector.
We look forward to welcoming you to Western Cape!
Mandla Ntombela
LIASA President
The Venue
A multi-purpose conference and exhibition centre in the hub of Cape Town’s business and entertainment centre, the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) combines the impassioned dedication of its capable personnel with an extensive range of premium venues, services and facilities. We create captivating experiences that sees hosts and their guests returning year after year.
This innovative venue offers a comprehensive array of services for international and locally based clients, playing host to prominent global conferences, trade shows, concerts and celebrated stage productions.
