From the Northern Rhodesian Library Services to the Zambia Library Service of today, our history is rooted in the mission of expanding access to libraries, information, reading and lifelong learning throughout Zambia.
Zambia Library Service (ZLS) came into existence in 1962 as a department of the Ministry of Education (MOE). It was formally established from the Northern Rhodesian Library Services, with the purpose of developing and establishing a public library network in the country.
Following Zambia's independence in 1964, the Northern Rhodesian Library Services became the Zambia Library Service. Since then, ZLS has continued to support the development of public, school, college and community library services while promoting access to information and learning resources.
Zambia Library Service traces its institutional origins to 1962, when library services were inaugurated as a department of the Ministry of Education.
The development of the Zambia Library Service reflects the country's continuing commitment to expanding access to knowledge, information and learning opportunities.
The library service was inaugurated as a department of the Ministry of Education. At this stage it operated as the Northern Rhodesian Library Services.
Following Zambia's independence, the Northern Rhodesian Library Services became the Zambia Library Service, reflecting the country's new national identity.
ZLS continued its work of developing a public library network and extending library services to communities across different parts of Zambia.
ZLS expanded its support for school and college libraries and Teacher Resource Centres, working with education authorities to promote the importance of libraries in teaching and learning.
ZLS has continued to assist in the establishment and promotion of community libraries, helping communities gain access to reading materials and information.
Today, ZLS operates as a unit within the Ministry of Education (MOE), based at its headquarters. It continues to support library development, education, and access to information.
The Zambia Library Service continues to play an important role in providing technical, professional and logistical support for the development of library services.
ZLS operates and supports a network of provincial public libraries, branch libraries and library centres across the country.
ZLS provides logistical and professional support for the development of school and college libraries as well as Teacher Resource Centres.
ZLS assists communities and partners in establishing and promoting community libraries and reading initiatives.
The Service provides technical and professional support to Ministries, government agencies and schools.
ZLS promotes access to books, learning resources, information materials and library-based services.
ZLS assists in the training and development of librarians and supports capacity building within the library sector.
Zambia Library Service runs and supports public and branch libraries in different parts of the country.
The ZLS network includes provincial public libraries that serve as important centres for library and information services.
In addition to provincial public libraries, ZLS supports branch libraries and library centres that help extend access to communities.
The objectives of the Zambia Library Service are centred on building a strong national library network and ensuring that library services contribute to education, learning and community development.
Develop and extend library services throughout the country to increase access to information and reading resources.
Provide policy guidelines for the effective provision and development of library services.
Support Ministries, government agencies and schools with technical and professional guidance in library development and services.
Contribute to the development of skilled library professionals through training and capacity-building initiatives.
The role of Zambia Library Service extends beyond the operation of public libraries. The Service provides logistical support for the development of school and college libraries as well as Teacher Resource Centres.
ZLS also assists in the establishment and promotion of community libraries and works with education authorities to strengthen the contribution of libraries to teaching and learning.
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