Wikipedia

East African School of Library and Information Science

East African School of Library and Information Science commonly known as EASLIS is one of the schools that make up the College of Computing and Information Science (COCIS) at Uganda's largest and premier university called Makerere University.

The Building housing the East African school of Library and Information Science at Makerere University Main Campus

EASLIS is located at Makerere University main campus in Kampala just next to Uganda's oldest academic library which is Makerere University's Main Library (old entrance) and it is situated next to the junction that leads to the school of Chemistry and not far from the University's Main Administration Block and the Freedom Square. Latitude and Longitude 0.34041860090671555, 32.56777614275131[1]

History

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The school was founded in the year 1963 shortly after Uganda had gained independence and its establishment was meant to foster the development of library professionals in the East African countries which were three by then (Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania). The school was established with funds from United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and by the time of its establishment called the East African School of Librarianship.[2]

Achievements

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From the time of its establishment in 1963, EASLIS has developed in very many ways such the development of new and fully accredited academic awards. This one of the greatest achievements because by the time the school was established it was only offering a certificate in library studies, after ten years in 1974 an additional certificate leading to the award of diploma in library science got introduced, a post graduate diploma in library science got introduced in 1975, and then in 1988 the Bachelor of library and information science was introduced. As you are reading this, EASLIS offers 2 Masters Programs that is in information science and the other in records and archives management established in 1997 and 2016 respectively, 1 PhD in information studies since 2004 with a Doctor of Philosophy in Archival studies coming up.[3][2] Another achievement for EASLIS is the increase in number of students at the school the development and establishment of other library and information science training schools in Uganda and East Africa can also be considered as one of the achievements of EASLIS since most of them were established under the leadership of the alumni of EASLIS.[4] EASLIS currently has a partnership with the University of Boras in Sweden and the partnership has seen several cohorts of students from EASLIS go to Sweden in a specified student exchange program.[5][6][7]

Leadership

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EASLIS has had several leaders at its helm bearing the title of director or Dean. The Current Dean of EASLIS is the first female occupant of the office. Others are;

  • Mr. Knud Larsen - First Director of EASLIS (1963–1966)
  • Mr. S. Seith - Director (1967–1971)
  • Prof. SAH Abidi - (1972–2002)
  • Prof. Isaac Milton Namwanje Kigongo –Bukenya (2002–2006)
  • Prof. Elisam Magara (2006–2010)
  • Prof. Constant Okello-Obura (2010-2014 and 2018–2022)
  • Dr. George W. Kiyingi (2013–2018)
  • Dr. Sarah Kaddu 2023-[8]

Notable alumni

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  • Prof. Robert Ikoja-Odongo - Vice Chancellor Soroti University
  • Dr. Fredrick Kiwuwa Lugya - University Librarian Busitema University[9]

References

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  1. ^ "Makerere University Main Gate to East African School of Library and Information Science". Makerere University Main Gate to East African School of Library and Information Science. Retrieved 2024-09-17.
  2. ^ a b Cook, Daniel J. (2000). "East African School of Library and Information Science a Survey". Journal of Education for Library and Information Science. 41 (4): 362. doi:10.2307/40324051. ISSN 0748-5786.
  3. ^ "East African School of Library & Information Science – Makerere University College of Computing & Information Sciences (CoCIS)". Retrieved 2024-09-17.
  4. ^ "EASLIS@ 60years Celebrations - Makerere University Events". events.mak.ac.ug. Retrieved 2024-09-17.
  5. ^ "Exchange Students between Makerere University (Uganda) and University of Borås (Sweden)". African Library & Information Associations & Institutions. 2022-03-28. Retrieved 2024-09-17.
  6. ^ "Exchange students from Makerere University welcomed to the University of Borås". Högskolan i Borås. Retrieved 2024-09-17.
  7. ^ Wamai, Mark (2021-09-09). "EASLIS Sends 6 Undergrads to University of Borås". Makerere University News. Retrieved 2024-09-17.
  8. ^ Anyango, Jane (2023-11-13). "EASLIS@60: Information scientists called to contribute to the national transformation and development". Makerere University News. Retrieved 2024-09-17.
  9. ^ https://library.busitema.ac.ug/about/staff-directory/Fredrick-Kiwuwa-Lugya
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