[MW] LIS: 21st Century Information Service Blog

Introduction Across Africa, knowledge has never been stored in books alone. It lives in oral storytelling, cultural rituals, indigenous medicine, farming practices, and community memory. Today, African libraries are taking on a transformative role—moving beyond traditional collections to actively preserve and digitize these rich knowledge systems. This evolution reflects a growing recognition…

In today’s digital world, information is growing at an extraordinary pace. The real challenge is no longer access to information, but the ability to find, understand, and connect the right information at the right time. This is where metadata becomes essential. It acts as the invisible structure behind digital content, making knowledge discoverable, organised, and meaningful. What Metadata…

IntroductionLibraries are more than repositories of books—they are engines of knowledge, innovation, inclusion, and sustainable development. As societies undergo rapid digital transformation, libraries must continue to evolve to meet the changing needs of their communities. Recognising this global imperative, the IFLA Global Vision initiative, launched by the International Federation of Library…

Introduction Political commentary on Ethiopia often reflects deeply contrasting interpretations of the country’s challenges, achievements, and future direction. One recent contribution to this debate is Paul Delkaso’s article, “The Nation in the Furnace: Why The Economist Misread Abiy Ahmed’s Ethiopia.” Written as a response to criticism published by The Economist, the article argues that…

Smarter workflows, faster discovery, stronger academic output Graduate study today is no longer just about reading more—it’s about working smarter. The right digital tools can dramatically reduce time spent on repetitive tasks, improve writing quality, and make literature discovery far more strategic. Below is a curated set of essential tools that can elevate every stage of the research…

Introduction The role of librarians is evolving rapidly. No longer confined to managing physical collections and reference services, today’s librarians are educators, digital content curators, research support specialists, technology advocates, and knowledge managers. As libraries adapt to the demands of the digital era, librarians must also adapt by developing a strong professional…

Introduction Across Africa, universities and research institutions are rapidly transforming how knowledge is created, stored, and shared. One of the most significant developments in this transformation is the rise of digital research repositories—online platforms that preserve scholarly outputs such as theses, journal articles, datasets, and conference papers. These repositories are not only…

Across Africa’s rapidly evolving knowledge landscape, information access is no longer just about availability—it is about equity, infrastructure, skills, and participation. As digital transformation accelerates, the question is shifting from “Who has access?” to “Who is meaningfully included in the global knowledge system?” In this context, UNESCO continues to play a pivotal role in shaping…

Libraries have never stood still. They evolve when information systems evolve. From handwritten catalogues to digital databases, each transformation has reshaped how knowledge is stored, accessed, and shared. Today, artificial intelligence represents the next major shift—one that carries both opportunity and urgency. The key question is not whether AI belongs in libraries, but what history…

Introduction Discussions about global inequality often turn into comparisons between countries with very different histories. A recent viral exchange involving Ethiopia, Vietnam, and comments from Elon Musk illustrates how quickly complex historical realities can be reduced to simple conclusions. At the centre of the debate is a familiar claim: if colonialism were the main explanation for…

Building Inclusive Knowledge Systems for a Connected Generation Across the world, digital libraries are transforming how societies create, preserve, and access knowledge. In Ethiopia, the future of digital libraries is becoming increasingly important as universities, schools, research institutions, and public organisations seek modern ways to support education, innovation, and national…

Introduction In many parts of Ethiopia, access to books remains a challenge for students and young learners. For some, the lack of reading materials can become an obstacle to educational success. For others, it becomes a source of inspiration to create change. That spirit of transformation is embodied in the newly inaugurated Digital Public Library in Robe City, an initiative established by Dr…

Across Africa, librarians are quietly leading some of the most important transformations in education, digital inclusion, literacy, research support, and community development. While their contributions often remain overlooked, a growing movement is working to change that narrative. The documentary “Meet African Librarians Transforming Communities | Librarian Spotlight Africa” shines a light on…

As Muslims around the world prepare to celebrate Eid Al Adha, INFOLIBNET proudly joins the global community in sharing warm wishes of peace, compassion, unity, and prosperity. 🌙✨ Eid Al Adha, also known as the Festival of Sacrifice, is a meaningful occasion that reflects the values of faith, generosity, gratitude, and humanity. It is a time for families, friends, and communities to come together…

Across Africa, a silent transformation is taking place in libraries, universities, research centres, archives, media institutions, and digital communities. The role of information professionals is rapidly evolving beyond traditional cataloguing and physical collection management. In the age of artificial intelligence, digital scholarship, misinformation, and data abundance, a new generation of…

Every year, African Union Day reminds us of the power of unity, shared identity, and collective progress across the African continent. It is a moment to celebrate Africa’s cultural richness, intellectual heritage, resilience, and the growing aspirations of its people toward a more connected and knowledge-driven future. As Africa navigates rapid technological, educational, and social…

In an age where artificial intelligence can generate answers in seconds, the real challenge is no longer finding information — it is finding credible, scholarly, and evidence-based knowledge. Across universities, research institutions, and libraries, students and researchers often struggle to locate quality academic materials for assignments, dissertations, systematic reviews, grant proposals,…