A Reflective Journey through the 2023 LIASA Conference: Libraries Shaping the Future

The 2023 Library and Information Association of South Africa (LIASA) Conference, hosted at Lord Charles Hotel in Somerset West, Cape Town, unfolded under the theme "Libraries Writing the Next Chapter." This event served as a compelling testament to the transformative power of libraries in shaping our future. Bringing together participants from diverse backgrounds, the conference offered a stimulating platform for discussions, knowledge sharing, and insightful feedback, leaving attendees inspired by the collective dedication of library professionals towards building a brighter tomorrow through the power of written expressions.

The conference commenced with a thought-provoking keynote address by the renowned academic and speaker, Prof Mamokgethi Phakeng, setting the tone for the entire event. Prof Phakeng emphasized the crucial role of libraries in fostering literacy, education, and community development. Her passionate talk underscored the need for libraries to evolve in the digital age, embracing new technologies while preserving the essence of human connection and knowledge dissemination. She highlighted the importance of librarians being open-minded, curious, and forward-thinking individuals who are willing to learn and adapt to new challenges and advancements in their field.

A highlight of the conference was the diverse range of interactive workshops and parallel sessions, addressing topics from innovative library practices and leveraging AI in libraries to rethinking technology, libraries, SDGs, and NDP2030. Attendees were spoiled for choice, and the hands-on nature of these sessions encouraged active participation, facilitating valuable skill development. Notably, the focus on promoting inclusivity within libraries stood out, ensuring these spaces serve as safe havens for everyone, regardless of age, gender, or cultural background.

The LIASA 2023 Conference placed a strong emphasis on community engagement initiatives, highlighting the importance of libraries as hubs of social change. Speakers shared inspiring success stories, illustrating how libraries have played a vital role in promoting local culture, preserving indigenous knowledge, and supporting marginalized communities. Libraries showcased their commitment to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by actively participating in and connecting with their communities, demonstrating their crucial role as agents for fostering positive social change and promoting sustainable development.

Mercia Moreana presented a paper entitled, “When metadata management meets UN SDGs: highlighting the role of the University of Pretoria Libraries.” The presentation discussed the University of Pretoria Libraries' project aligning with UN SDGs and NDP2023, focusing on the retrospective addition of metadata tags to research in the institutional repository from 2015. This initiative aims to improve the discoverability of research related to the UN SDGs at the university, making existing research more accessible and relevant to sustainable development goals.

Beyond the enriching sessions, the conference provided ample networking opportunities, allowing attendees to engage in lively discussions, exchange ideas, and forge valuable connections. The exchange of various perspectives and experiences served as a reminder of the wealth of knowledge within the library community.

In conclusion, the LIASA 2023 Conference was a resounding success, leaving attendees inspired and equipped with innovative ideas to propel libraries into the future. As we reflect on the conference's theme, "Libraries Writing the Next Chapter," it is evident that libraries are dynamic entities actively shaping the narratives of communities and individuals, far beyond being mere repositories of books.

The University of Pretoria colleagues: Mercia Moreana, Danie Malan and Maria Mtsweni at the LIASA  conference.