University Of Zambia Library

Postgraduate Library Orientation & Information Literacy Session

The University of Zambia Ridgeway Campus Library today conducted a Postgraduate Library Orientation and Information Literacy session facilitated by Ms. Emma Theo and Ms. Inonge Imasiku.

The session was attended by postgraduate students pursuing Master's of Medicine programmes in Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Surgery, Anaesthesia, Ophthalmology, Family Medicine, and Urology. Students were equipped with essential Information Literacy skills to support their academic and research journey.

Information Literacy empowers students and researchers with the ability to effectively find, evaluate, and use information for academic excellence and lifelong learning.

Would you like to be trained in Information Literacy too?

Make an appointment as a class or group of students and visit your library to be scheduled for training sessions either physically or online.

Your journey to smarter research and better academic success starts at the library!

𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐜 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐧 𝐋𝐢𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐈𝐧𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐗𝐗𝐕𝐈𝐈 𝐒𝐂𝐄𝐂𝐒𝐀𝐋 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞

Matildah Muchinga Kagele, Academic Librarian at the University of Zambia Library, chaired a plenary session on Strategic Marketing in Library and Information Services during the just-ended 27th Standing Conference of Eastern, Central and Southern African Library and Information Associations (SCECSAL) held from 27 April to 1 May at Avani Victoria Falls Resort.

The session highlighted the growing importance of strategic and digital marketing in modern library services, with a strong focus on Artificial Intelligence (AI), data-driven personalisation, and the effective use of traditional and social media platforms to strengthen visibility, engagement, and relevance.

🔍 𝐊𝐞𝐲 𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧:
🔹 The urgent need for libraries to adopt innovative marketing tools and digital platforms.

🔹 Leveraging both traditional and social media to expand reach and improve user engagement.

🔹 Strengthening data veracity to enhance trust, credibility, and perceived reliability of library services.

The discussions also highlighted several critical challenges facing libraries in the digital era:
▪️ Limited digital marketing skills and capacity gaps.

▪️ Difficulties in measuring impact and return on investment

▪️ Underutilisation of available digital platforms and technologies

The session called for continuous professional development, institutional support, and adaptable policies to ensure libraries remain responsive, competitive, and impactful in an increasingly digital information landscape.

📌 𝐅𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬:
🔹 Data Veracity as a Catalyst for Perceived Reliable Library Services Among Graduate Students; Aloysius Mwanje, University at Buffalo, USA

🔹 Harnessing Traditional and Social Media; Katrina Ndeshipanda Shikuni & Helena Hainghumbi, Namibia

🔹 Digital Marketing Strategies and Tools in Zimbabwean Academic Libraries; Vengesai Garande, Harare Institute of Technology

🔹 Strategic Marketing of Library Resources in the Digital Age; Maria Nepolo & Aina Megameno Sakaria, Namibia Library & Archives Service

The plenary served as a powerful reminder that libraries must not only provide information, but also strategically communicate their value, impact, and relevance in today’s rapidly evolving digital world.

𝐋𝐢𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐃𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐩𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐗𝐗𝐕𝐈𝐈 𝐒𝐂𝐄𝐂𝐒𝐀𝐋 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞

Dr Charles Banda, Chief Librarian at the University of Zambia, chaired the second Plenary Session on Libraries, Information Services and Sustainable Development during the just-ended 27th Standing Conference of Eastern, Central and Southern African Library and Information Associations (SCECSAL) held from 27 April to 1 May at Avani Victoria Falls Resort.

The plenary session brought together thought leaders and researchers from across the region to explore the evolving role of libraries in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through innovation, access to information, digital inclusion, and community empowerment.

Key presentations highlighted:
🔹 The impact of libraries in supporting SDG-focused initiatives
🔹 Green library practices and environmental sustainability
🔹 Expanding library services to underserved rural communities
🔹 The empowerment potential of telecentres and digital access points

📌 𝐅𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬:
🔹 Impact Stories in Support of SDGs; Nokuthula P. Musa, Mpilo S. Mthembu, and Siyanda E. Kheswa

🔹 Enhancing Environmental Sustainability through Green Library Initiatives; Amanda Irene Birungi and Dr Sarah Kaddu

🔹 Taking Library Services to Rural Underserved Schools in Malawi; James Kimani and Leticia Chinkhumba

🔹 Unpacking the Empowerment Effects of Telecentres; Sellina Kapondera, Panteli Niki, and Roberta Bernardi

🔹 Enhancing Youth Entrepreneurship in Namibia; Pachalo Msiska and Dr Chiku Mnubi-Mchombu

The discussions reaffirmed that libraries are no longer merely repositories of information, but strategic institutions contributing to national development, inclusive education, research visibility, digital transformation, and sustainable communities.

As Africa continues to navigate rapid technological and social change, libraries remain essential partners in fostering knowledge-driven development and equitable access to information.

𝐁𝐫𝐢𝐝𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐀𝐈 𝐆𝐚𝐩: 𝐀𝐝𝐯𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐃𝐢𝐠𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐑𝐞𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐙𝐚𝐦𝐛𝐢𝐚𝐧 𝐀𝐜𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐜 𝐋𝐢𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬

The Department of Library and Information Science at the University of Zambia and the University of Zambia Library proudly showcased this important study during the just-ended 27th Standing Conference of Eastern, Central and Southern African Library and Information Associations (SCECSAL) held from 27th April to 1st May at Avani Victoria Falls Resort.

Presented by Thabiso M. Mwiinga, the study by Thabiso M. Mwiinga, Matildah M. Muchinga, Abel M’kulama, Kaoma L. Daka, and Chitundu P. Chisunka of the University of Zambia explored the perceptions and readiness of academic libraries in integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) into digital reference services.

The presentation highlighted a pivotal moment for academic libraries in Zambia, where digital reference services are already established, yet AI integration remains at an early and uneven stage. While librarians acknowledge the transformative potential of AI, institutional readiness still faces significant challenges.

𝐊𝐞𝐲 𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐲:
🔹 Most libraries rely on basic digital reference tools, with minimal use of AI technologies.

🔹 AI knowledge among librarians is varied and largely self-acquired, highlighting gaps in formal training.

🔹 Perceptions of AI are largely positive, with anticipated benefits including:
✔️ 24/7 service delivery
✔️ Faster response times
✔️ Personalised user support

🔹 However, concerns remain around:
▪️ Data privacy and ethical considerations
▪️ Infrastructure limitations
▪️ Job security and workforce adaptation

🔹 Institutional readiness remains low due to limited infrastructure, inadequate policy frameworks, and inconsistent management support.

𝐀 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐜 𝐖𝐚𝐲 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝:
The study proposes a practical five-stage framework for AI adoption, focusing on:
✔️ Strengthening digital foundations
✔️ Building human capacity and AI competencies
✔️ Developing supportive policy frameworks
✔️ Implementing pilot AI projects
✔️ Scaling sustainable AI-driven library services

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐓𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐚𝐰𝐚𝐲:
Bridging the AI gap requires more than awareness, it demands coordinated investment in skills, infrastructure, and policy direction. With the right support systems, academic libraries in Zambia can transform digital reference services into intelligent, user-centred systems that meet the evolving demands of the digital age.

𝐋𝐢𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐬 𝐄𝐧𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐎𝐩𝐞𝐧 𝐒𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐙𝐚𝐦𝐛𝐢𝐚’𝐬 𝐏𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐜 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬

The University of Zambia Library proudly presented this insightful study during the just-ended 27th Standing Conference of Eastern, Central and Southern African Library and Information Associations (SCECSAL) held from 27th April to 1st May at Avani Victoria Falls Resort.

The survey-based study by Inonge Imasiku, Pilate Chewe, and Sarah Gwayi of the University of Zambia Library highlights the transformative role academic libraries are playing in advancing Open Science, accessibility, and research visibility in Zambia’s public universities.

𝐊𝐞𝐲 𝐇𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐲:
🔹 Academic libraries are central to promoting Open Science practices such as open access publishing, research data management, and institutional repositories.

🔹 Libraries are increasingly becoming knowledge hubs, supporting researchers with digital platforms, tools, and training to strengthen scholarly communication.

🔹 The study underscores the growing importance of information literacy and digital competencies in navigating open knowledge ecosystems.

𝐄𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬:
🔹 Libraries are no longer just custodians of information, they are active enablers of research transparency, collaboration, and innovation.

🔹 The study also highlights existing challenges, including:
▪️ Limited infrastructure and funding
▪️ Policy gaps around Open Science
▪️ Capacity constraints among staff and researchers

Drawing parallels with broader research on information literacy at the University of Zambia, the findings reveal how students and researchers increasingly rely on digital platforms and library systems to access, evaluate, and share information, particularly in online and distance learning environments.

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐖𝐚𝐲 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝:
✔️ Strengthening institutional and national Open Science policies
✔️ Investing in digital infrastructure
✔️ Enhancing capacity building for librarians and researchers
✔️ Promoting collaboration across universities and stakeholders

As Zambia aligns with global Open Science movements, libraries continue to stand at the forefront bridging knowledge gaps, democratising access to information, and empowering research for sustainable development.

Libraries are no longer silent spaces; they are dynamic engines driving openness, innovation, and inclusive knowledge societies.

𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐥𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐋𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐝 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐈𝐧𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐋𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐲 𝐢𝐧 𝐎𝐧𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐭 𝐔𝐍𝐙𝐀

The University of Zambia Library proudly showcased this insightful research during the just-ended 27th Standing Conference of Eastern, Central and Southern African Library and Information Associations (SCECSAL) held from 27th April to 1st May at Avani Victoria Falls Resort, in Livingstone.

At a time when distance learning continues to expand, understanding how students navigate information in digital environments is more critical than ever.

A captivating study by Francina S. Makondo (University of Zambia Library), Francis Simui (Institute of Distance Education, University of Zambia), and Christine Wamunyima Kanyengo (University of Zambia Library) sheds light on how undergraduate distance learners at the University of Zambia experience and practice information literacy in real-life online learning contexts.

The study reveals that information literacy among distance learners goes beyond technical skills, it is a lived, adaptive practice shaped by limited academic support, connectivity challenges, and the demands of independent learning. Students demonstrate resilience by developing self-directed strategies, critically navigating information sources, and adapting to constraints such as high data costs and unstable internet access.

𝐊𝐞𝐲 𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐝𝐞:

✔️Information literacy as a survival mechanism in online learning
✔️ The influence of institutional trust in selecting credible sources
✔️Persistent access and connectivity challenges
✔️ Varying levels of ability in applying information literacy in academic work

The study calls for stronger integration of information literacy into distance education curricula, enhanced library and learning platform collaboration, and targeted support for both students and educators.

As digital education continues to evolve, this research reminds us that information literacy is not just a skill; it is a contextual, lived experience shaped by systems, support, and student realities.



University Of Zambia Library
The Copperbelt University
University of Zambia Library and Information Science Association-UNZALISA

Thank you Gerald Besa Mambwe for sharing your library experience 👏

During my four years at the University of Zambia, Great East Road Campus as a student, studying in the main library became one of the strongest forces behind my discipline and consistency.

Whenever I did not have morning lectures, library became my sanctuary by 08:30. I was not always the very first in line, but I was among those eager to walk in as soon as the doors opened. That environment set the tone for my day.

The library inspired focus. Surrounded by students deeply engaged in their books, it created a culture of seriousness that naturally pushed me to do the same. The quiet atmosphere made it easier to concentrate and absorb information, especially in the early hours when the mind is fresh.

Once inside, something shifted such that I often found myself going beyond my planned study time. What started as four hours would stretch further not out of pressure, but because the environment encouraged persistence. People are/were there with purpose and that energy was contagious.

I rarely studied outside the library, which is why I have always been surprised when some students say they avoid it because they tend to doze off.

In many cases, that comes down to fatigue or mindset. If you approach the library with intention and a clear goal, staying alert becomes much easier.

Train your mind to associate the library with productivity. Prioritise proper rest and make use of peak study periods like early mornings and late afternoons. When your body and mind are aligned, focus becomes natural.

If you are a student striving for excellence, library can be a powerful ally. That said, success is not confined to one space.

Whether it is the library, Goma Lakes, or any other study spot, the most important thing is to find what works best for you and commit to it.

📸 2024

𝐊𝐂𝐌 𝐊𝐨𝐧𝐤𝐨𝐥𝐚 𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐓𝐫𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐥 𝐕𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐙𝐚𝐦𝐛𝐢𝐚 𝐋𝐢𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐫𝐲

Today, 15th April 2026, the University of Zambia Library had the pleasure of welcoming a delegation from KCM Konkola Secondary Trust School for an educational visit.

The delegation, led by Mr Perry Musonda and accompanied by teachers Mr Peter Ndala, Ms Cindy Musonda, and Mr Jackson Kanyembo, brought along 90 enthusiastic Form One pupils eager to explore and learn.

During the visit, the learners had the opportunity to:

✔️ Experience what university life looks like
✔️ Explore potential career paths, including engineering and veterinary medicine
✔️ Gain motivation to work hard and pursue higher education
✔️ Appreciate the value of academic resources such as libraries and lecture facilities

As the University of Zambia Library, we remain committed to inspiring and mentoring future generations of students.

Engagements like these highlight the importance of nurturing young minds and shaping tomorrow’s leaders.

UNZA Ridgeway Campus Library Hosts 6th Library Instruction Session

Yesterday, 25th March 2026, the Ridgeway Campus Library successfully held its 6th Library Instruction Session of the year.

The session featured an engaging and interactive exchange between UNZA librarians and 2nd-year undergraduate Biomedical students from the School of Health Sciences.

During the session, students explored key academic skills, including:

🔹 Creating awareness of UNZA Library resources
🔹 Identifying credible sources of information
🔹 An introduction to citation and referencing

The pictures capture the energy and enthusiasm of students actively participating and strengthening their research and information literacy skills.

Are you a student at UNZA and would you like to learn these skills?

Visit the main library or your branch library, and our librarians will be more than ready to schedule a session for you!

UNZA Open Day 2026 | Library Exhibition Moment

During today's UNZA Open Day Library Exhibition, one student asked an interesting question:

“Where can I find these rare books about past Zambian Republican Presidents in the library?” I didn't know that the library has such books.

Let’s hear from you! 👇

Which section of the library would you recommend for such rare and historical materials?

Drop your answers in the comments and let’s see who knows the library best!

A big shout out to the senior students who came through to the library exhibition stand 👏👏