Serikali ya Mapinduzi ya Zanzibar
Wizara ya Elimu na Mafunzo ya Amali
BODI YA HUDUMA ZA MAKTABA ZANZIBAR
Learn about the Zanzibar Library Services Board — our history since 1988, our mandate under Act No. 7 of 1993, our mission and vision, statutory functions, governance structure, and the five branches across Unguja and Pemba.
The Zanzibar Library Services Board (ZLSB) is a government organ under the Ministry of Education and Vocational Training (MoEVT), Zanzibar. It was formally constituted by the Zanzibar Parliament through Act No. 7 of 1993, which gave the Board the legal mandate to promote, establish, equip, maintain, and develop library services throughout the islands of Zanzibar.
The need to establish a public library in Zanzibar was first raised by the Hockey's Report. Although the political changes of the early 1960s interrupted the project, the spirit was revived in the 1980s through support from USIS and the British Council. In 1988, the Zanzibar Public Library — the first public library in Zanzibar — was established by MoEVT in Zanzibar Town.
In December 1994, the first branch library opened in Chake Chake, Pemba. Today, ZLSB operates five branches across Unguja and Pemba, serving children, youths, students, researchers, and all members of the community.
The need for a public library in Zanzibar was first identified through the Hockey's Report. Political changes in the early 1960s interrupted the project, but the vision persisted.
The spirit was revived through partnerships with USIS and the British Council, providing materials and support that would finally bring Zanzibar its first public library.
In 1988, the first public library in Zanzibar was established in Zanzibar Town, first housed in the Ex-Telecom Building (now the Serena Inn).
The Zanzibar Parliament formally constituted the ZLSB through Act No. 7 of 1993, giving it the legal mandate to promote and develop libraries throughout Zanzibar.
The first branch opened in Chake Chake, Pemba, extending ZLSB services to the sister island for the very first time.
Five district libraries were established in Unguja and three in Pemba, initially accommodated in Teacher Centres.
ZLSB embraced digital innovation — ICT labs, Online Library Portal, internet services, and American Corner partnerships for English-language resources.
The guiding principles of ZLSB as defined in the Board's official statements.
To create a conducive working environment for efficient delivery of services; to ensure good maintenance and provision of necessary facilities; to provide good library service; to purchase books, newspapers and periodicals; and to provide fast, adequate digital information through internet services.
"To have a society which is satisfied with good library and information services."
This vision was formally declared by ZLSB in 2004/2005.
To help and support the education, cultural, leisure and information needs of all peoples of Zanzibar and Pemba — from the youngest child to the most experienced researcher.
As mandated by the Zanzibar Library Services Board Act of 1993, the following are the key functions of the Board:
To promote, establish, equip, maintain and develop libraries in Zanzibar to meet the library requirements of the whole population.
To actively promote book reading and library use, stimulating public interest in literature generally and Swahili literature in particular.
To set up, establish, equip, manage, maintain and develop documentation centres and provide documentation services throughout Zanzibar.
To initiate, sponsor, participate in, finance and assist in campaigns for the eradication of illiteracy across both Unguja and Pemba.
To provide efficient and effective library service in both urban and rural areas, catering for the library needs of all sectors of the community.
To encourage the production and distribution of books and other literary works, contributing to the growth of a local publishing culture.
To provide facilities for the study of and training in the principles, procedures and techniques of librarianship.
To sponsor, arrange and provide facilities for conferences and seminars on library and documentation matters.
To help schools, government institutions and NGOs establish their libraries, and to offer services to students conducting research.
To work with embassies and NGOs to conduct special programmes — including the American Corner partnership providing English-language resources.
The Zanzibar Library Services Board is a government organ under the Ministry of Education and Vocational Training (MoEVT). According to the MoEVT organisation chart, the Board is directly under the Minister.
The President of Zanzibar appoints the Chairman and the Director of the Board. The Minister of Education and Vocational Training appoints the remaining Board members.
For day-to-day management, the Director is responsible for all library affairs, is also the Secretary of the Board and the Chief Librarian, assisted by two Assistant Chief Librarians.
Appoints the Chairman and the Director of the Board
Appoints remaining Board members; Board is directly under the Minister
Chaired by appointed Chairman; oversees strategic direction and policy
Secretary of the Board, Chief Librarian, responsible for day-to-day management
One for Zanzibar Public Library (Unguja); one for Pemba Public Library
From Unguja to Pemba, ZLSB's five branches ensure that no community is too far from the knowledge they deserve.
The Head Office and main library branch of ZLSB, offering the largest collection, ICT labs, Children's Corner, and digital resources.
A well-established branch in Unguja supporting teaching and learning through access to textbooks, reference materials, and study areas.
Opened in December 1994 as the first branch outside Unguja, serving as the Pemba Regional Office at Chachani, Chake Chake.
Strategically located in northern Pemba providing essential academic materials and study facilities for the Wete community.
Serving the academic needs of southern Pemba with organised library collections and dedicated information support services.
Our dedicated leadership team drives the vision, strategy, and day-to-day operations of ZLSB.
Pendekezo lako limepokelewa. Tutaangalia upatikanaji wa kitabu hiki na kuongeza kwenye maktaba zetu haraka iwezekanavyo.
Thank you for helping us grow our collection!
Msaidizi wa Maktaba - Online