Dear LIASA members and stakeholders,

In 2016, the LIASA AGM approved the motion to investigate the restructure of LIASA to a 21^st century body that leads the Library and Information Services sector in South Africa:

“LIASA will be celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2017. It behoves any organisation to regularly examine the efficacy of its structures and operations yet this has not been done in the Association for a while. Furthermore, the award of Professional Body status is a game changer that makes the need for this reflective strategic process more urgent. That the Association is managed largely on a voluntary basis is a growing cause for concern. “

Subsequent submissions at AGMs resulted in AGM 2019 approving the proposed administrative restructure to that of the LIASA Secretariat – see model below – and took under advisement the restructure of the Branches and Interest Groups pending the submission of a proof of concept by June 2020.

COVID-19 interrupted efforts towards this goal as the stringent lockdown level 5 became law in March 2020 and the adjustment of LIASA members to the changing format of online engagement has not been easy in part. LIASA has borne the brunt of the past 18 months of lockdown in that broad consultation – a foundation of the LIASA principle of inclusivity – was not possible as part of the LIASA membership did not have access to ICT being dependent on work infrastructure and, LIASA membership has reduced by 40%.

Notwithstanding these points, LIASA’s spirit of resilience remains intact and, we cannot wait any longer to engage in these discussions especially as some Branches and Interest Groups have been badly affected to the point of not being operational and a solution must be put in place for the betterment of the Association and Professional Body; library and information services practitioners; and, the sector.

You are cordially invited to share your expertise and bring to the table your expertise and contribute to the finalization of the LIASA restructure of Branches and Interest Groups on Friday 30 July 2021 from 10 am to 1pm.

Regards

Nikki Crowster
LIASA President 2018 - 2021