Empowering National Development Goals: The future of Ministerial Libraries in Namibia

Abstract

This paper is discussing radical changes hampering the provision of information in Ministerial libraries in Namibia. Changes that are challenging Ministerial Libraries to redefine their roles to remain relevant to their parent organizations. The paper is based on a study which investigated the future of Ministerial Libraries, focusing on the roles they are playing, the services rendered to the users, the skills and experiences required by information professionals and the overall support Ministerial Libraries get from the senior managers within the Ministries. Qualitative and quantitative data were collected using open ended questionnaires administered to library users and information professionals in the Ministries and unstructured interviews were conducted with the Head of Ministerial Libraries. The study revealed that there is still a need for libraries in the Ministries, however challenges such as changes in technology, availability of information from numerous sources, insufficient budget for libraries, lack of local expertise, uncompetitive compensation of information professionals and unclearly define roles of libraries within Ministries are hindering the effectiveness of their services.

The paper includes number of recommendations to improve services of the Ministerial Libraries in Namibia.