The 10th Library and Information Association of South Africa (LIASA) - Looking ahead: The changing roles of libraries and information sector (LIS)

The 10th Library and Information Association of South Africa (LIASA) Annual Conference for 2008 will take place in
the Cape Town Convention Centre from 6-10 October 2008.

This is one of the highlights on the calendar of LIASA
members, partners and all library workers.

It is expected that between 800 and 1000 library workers will attend,with a strong contingent from Africa as well as international delegates. Various speakers from the African continent as well as Europe and the USA have been invited.

The exhibition, which runs during the week of the conference
should attract between 45 and 50 national and international library suppliers, vendors, booksellers and publishers.

This also provides a forum for interaction with all levels of government as LIASA engages with MECs, executive
mayors and councillors, as well as other key stakeholders.

The conference has grown exponentially over the ten years since it was first held. Starting with approximately 300 delegates it now averages 750 plus delegates from around the country and is increasingly attracting international delegates and speakers.

It provides South African librarians with one of the few opportunities to be exposed to new trends in the library and information profession and to interact with their counterparts from within the country as well as abroad. A host of respected speakers, as well as first time speakers from all levels of library workers and all sectors are planned, including library students.

The Library and Information Association of South Africa (LIASA) is a professional non-profit organisation uniting and representing all institutions and people working in libraries and information services in South Africa. It strives to unite, develop and empower all people in the library and information field into an organisation that provides dynamic leadership in transforming, developing and sustaining library and information services for all people in South Africa.

Exactly 11 years ago the library and information community of SA launched a unified Library and Information Association departing from the old way of existing as separate associations based on race and qualifications. This important step enabled all library and information workers to speak with one voice and to promote their services to their users, the broader community, civil society and decision makers. These efforts contribute to the understanding of the important role that libraries play in a democratic society, advancing literacy, making the basic human right offreedom of access to information a reality, and in promoting tolerance and respect among all South Africans. The
existence of library services in all communities of SA empowers the public at large to participate fully in the new democratic society and play an important role in supporting education and life-long learning.

For more information you can visit the LIASA website at http://www.liasa.org.za.

Venue

Date: 06 October 2008 to 10 October 2008
Location: Cape Town International Convention Centre, Cape Town

Contact: Brenda Mengel
Company name: Network SA - Conference and Event Organisers
Telephone number: +27 21 683 2114
Email address brenda@networksa.com