Title: Public libraries and national development plans: a case of Gweru public libraries on the Zimbabwe Agenda for Sustainable Socio-Economic Transformation (ZimAsset)

Authors: Mthokozisi Masumbika Ncube

Addresses: Information Science and Records Management, Zimbabwe Open University, Zimbabwe

Abstract: Access to information is an indispensable pillar underpinning national development goals and sustainable development within communities. Public libraries in Zimbabwe are expected to have mechanisms to support and implement national strategies and policies, such as ZimAsset, to benefit the communities they serve. However, public libraries in Gweru have not been active in terms of propagating informational resources on ZimAsset. The libraries were failing to propagate information on ZimAsset due to lack of resources, this included financial, materials and human resources. In addition, the study found out that the Mtapa and Mkoba 6 libraries were underdeveloped to such an extent that they were not functional. The libraries should undertake diverse fund raising activities to generate income and advocate for volunteers and attachés. In addition, the library should undertake continuous needs assessment to anticipate informational needs of its various clients to ensure that the library provides relevant information on ZimAsset.

Keywords: public libraries; Gweru Memorial Library; Gweru community; national development; Zimbabwe agenda for sustainable socio-economic transformation; ZimAsset; Zimbabwe.

DOI: 10.1504/IJSSOC.2017.090522

International Journal of Sustainable Society, 2017 Vol.9 No.4, pp.346 - 357

Received: 25 May 2017
Accepted: 08 Jan 2018
Published online: 19 Mar 2018 *

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