The National Library of Zimbabwe also known National Free Library of Zimbabwe is located in Bulawayo second biggest city in Zimbabwe.[1] It was established under the National Library and Documentation Service (NLDS) Act Chapter 25:10 act of 1985 which was passed by the Zimbabwean Government in 1985.[2]
| National Library of Zimbabwe | |
|---|---|
 | |
| 20°09′44″S 28°35′31″E / 20.1623°S 28.5919°E | |
| Location | Zimbabwe |
Historical Background To The Establishment of NLDS
The evolution of library services in Rhodesia before Zimbabwe's independence can be categorized into four distinct phases: Pioneer Stage (1895-1927); Carnegie Stage (1928-1947); Valley Report Stage and Federation (1948-1963); and UDI Stage (1964-1980).[3][4]
Pioneering Stage (1895 - 1927)
The period 1895 - 1927 marked the inception of library systems in English-speaking Central Africa[5]. Unique historical and educational influences shaped the development of public libraries in this region. A diminutive, literate white populace in proximity to administrative centers led the establishment of widespread libraries in a thinly populated territory. The initial public libraries emerged from the desire of a limited settler population to keep in touch with civerlisation in their homeland.
Public libraries were initiated by individuals, often starting as subscription-based services. In Southern Rhodesia, the Bulawayo Public Library was the first public subscription library, opening in 1896[3]. This was succeeded by the Gwelo Public Library (now Gweru Memorial Library) in 1897[3]. The Queen Victoria Memorial Library, (now Harare City Library), was established in 1902 in memory of Queen Victoria[4][6] Similarly, the Turner Memorial Library in Umtali (now Mutare) was founded in 1902 in honor of Major Scott Turner. Other subscription libraries followed in Enkledoorm (now Chivhu) in 1903, Gatooma (now Kadoma) in 1917, and Umvuma (now Mvuma) in 1926.[3][7]
Consequently, Southern Rhodesia developed a subscription-based public library system without governmental support. These libraries were isolated collections serving limited areas and only those who could afford to use them.
Purpose of the National Free Library of Zimbabwe
The main purpose of the library is to provide book lending service, inter-library loans and act as a National Public Library in Zimbabwe.[citation needed]
The library used to be managed by 30 librarians but due to lack of support it is now staffed by 5 workers.[8]
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ "List of Addresses of the Major Libraries in Africa". ECA Library. Archived from the original on June 30, 2012.
- ^ "National Library and Documentation Service Act" (PDF). 1985. Archived from the original (PDF) on September 28, 2021. Retrieved August 28, 2022.
- ^ a b c d Made, Stanislaus M (1988). ""Library situation In Zimbabwe: an historical background to the establishment of the National Library and Documentation Service (NLDS)"". Wits Journal of Librarianship and Information Science (5): 171–198.
- ^ a b Alison, W. A (1981). A National Library Service for Zimbabwe: a report to the British Council. Glasglow.
- ^ Varley, D.H. (1951). Library service in Rhodesia and Nyasaland: a report. Cape Town.
{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link) - ^ "Public library for Salisbury in pipeline". The Herald. 17/02/2021. Retrieved 16/10/2024.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|access-date=and|date=(help) - ^ Nyangoni, C. K. "Libraries for National Development: The Zimbabwe Case". Zambezia. IX (i): 50–58.
- ^ Chronicle, The. "'Neglect of libraries widespread'". The Chronicle. Retrieved 2021-09-28.
Bibliography
edit- "Zimbabwe", World Report 2010, The Hague: International Federation of Library Associations, OCLC 225182140,
Freedom of access to information
. (Includes information about the national library)