Evolving role of librarians in the digital age
SEBONGILE MATHE
MASERU – In a world driven by information, the role of librarians has evolved far beyond just curating bookshelves. Nyakallo Ntsinyi, a Knowledge Economy Specialist, is on a mission to shine a spotlight on the unsung heroes and heroines of the information age: librarians.
She believes their work extends beyond traditional libraries, impacting industries, research, and the economy. In a thought-provoking discussion, Ntsinyi emphasised the indispensable role librarians play in today’s fast-paced corporate world.
“Librarianship is more than just about managing books — it is about managing information. It is a technical field that requires specialised training. Librarians acquire, manage, and disseminate information to ensure it is accessible to the right people at the right time,” she told Public Eye this week.
Ntsinyi’s passion for promoting the profession stems from the belief that librarians are central to the functioning of knowledge management systems across various sectors, including business and research.
She noted that as information continues to grow in value, the role of librarians in managing and organising this wealth of knowledge is crucial to ensuring corporate efficiency and academic excellence.
“Librarians are the backbone of information management. In a corporate setting, they streamline processes by ensuring data is accessible and usable,” she said.
“In academic institutions, they enable students and researchers to find the resources they need to contribute to the country’s economic development,” she added. Despite the vital role librarians play, Ntsinyi said Lesotho still lacks the necessary infrastructure to fully harness the potential of its information resources.
She stressed the need for more community libraries, particularly in rural areas, to make knowledge more accessible to students and the wider population. “People living in remote areas should not be left behind,” Ntsinyi said.
“Access to information should not be a privilege but a right for every citizen, no matter where they live.” She also highlighted the critical issue of safeguarding the country’s information through digitalisation. “Far too often, important files are misplaced, damaged, or even destroyed. Digitalising records is essential to preserve our history and ensure that future generations can access them,” Ntsinyi explained.
She emphasised the importance of building national archives, where documents from various ministries and organisations could be stored and protected, ensuring they are preserved for years to come.
“Proper infrastructure, such as secure databases and relevant data systems, is key to protecting our national archives.” Ntsinyi’s advocacy for the profession also extends to the importance of empowering librarians to be at the forefront of the digital age.
She believes that, with the right tools, they can transform the way businesses and individuals interact with information. “Libraries are knowledge hubs. By providing access to academic resources, research data, and historical records, they help students, entrepreneurs, and researchers develop new ideas, start businesses, and address societal issues,” she said.
In concluding her remarks, Ntsinyi urged for greater recognition of the librarianship profession and its impact on the nation’s development. “Librarians are not just custodians of books—they are key drivers of innovation and progress. Their work fosters learning, supports business development, and ultimately contributes to the economic prosperity of the nation.”
