Lubuto Libraries in Zambia: Sustainable Development through Library and Information Services

Abstract

Lubuto Library Partners is an international nonprofit organization based in Washington, D.C., which works with local professionals to establish sustainable library services and increases the capacity of African public libraries to provide quality library services to children and youth. Lubuto Libraries in Zambia are public libraries which serve all children and youth, with special focus on those who are either out of school or live in low income or rural communities. In partnership with local host organizations and supported by the government of Zambia, two libraries have been established in the capital Lusaka and one other in the rural village of Nabukuyu in southern Zambia. Youth make up 60% of Zambia’s population but in Zambia had not as yet had specialized services. Furthermore, Zambia faces a host of social, economic and political challenges including a high HIV incidence among girls and young women, low secondary school enrollment and one of the highest levels of gender based violence in the world.

Lubuto recognizes that while these challenges are formidable, Zambia also has tremendous assets, including an energetic young population willing to be engaged in development and institutions that are already serving young people in other ways. Lubuto is built upon the concept of sustainable ownership of the libraries by the community and these libraries are designed to address the U.N. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This presentation will outline the partnerships at the heart of the the Lubuto model and give examples of how Lubuto Libraries are responding to the SDGS. Lubuto Libraries contribute to almost every SDG but in this presentation particular emphasis will be placed on SDGs 3, 4, 5 and 16. Lubuto Library users gain a basic education through LubutoLiteracy and other programming. Additionally, Lubuto’s efforts to improve children’s health will be discussed through its award of the DREAMS Innovation Challenge, a global partnership that aims to reduce HIV infection in girls and young women. As information providers, Lubuto Library Partners plays a crucial role in building strong and inclusive democracy through our library services to children. While libraries alone cannot achieve Agenda 2030, they will, as trusted community institutions, play a critical role in achieving the SDGs.