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The Digital Era Trials and Tribulations of Professional Librarians in Selected Tanzania Accredited Technical and Vocational Institutions
Author: Valeria Kyumana

Abstract

This study explores the predicament professional librarians’ face in the academia in the digital era. The National Council for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (NACTVET) influences the removal of academic librarians’ cadre in institutions it accredits catapulting UTUMISHI towards removing it from scheme of services leading to the demotion of librarians or re-categorisation as administrative or faculty staff, respectively, losing their professional recognition. The study used a qualitative method research design to obtain data in eight selected Tanzania’s institutions. Data were collected using interviews with eight librarians comprising senior/managerial positions in these studied libraries; two UTUMISHI officials and two library professional association leaders. Data were analysed thematically and discussed based on the research objectives and emerging issues. The results show that some librarians had academic status whereas there was no such a cadre in other institutions. As such, most of the librarians were re-categorised as faculty members whereas some were demoted to administrative positions due to changes in the UTUMISHI system. Other institutions were unaffected as they did not have the academic cadre. Most librarians were dissatisfied with the job and experienced low morale after being re-categorised, which forced some to seek transfers to universities. Besides, the other librarians had to pivot career wise to fit in with faculty requirements whereas others were left in dilemma promised special salaries. All the hopes are on professional associations to see what can be done to restore the academic cadre as individual efforts are futile. Librarianship still supports low status in Tanzania and librarians cannot continue with the assumption that stakeholders know their importance; they must demonstrate it through marketing of the profession. This might involve restoration of the academic status cadre in NACTVET institutions through collective bargaining using professional associations. This will be of great help in ensuring professional sustainability, research output and status of librarianship in higher learning institutions and continual survival.

Keywords:   Professional   librarians,   digital   age,   status   of   librarians,   LIS professional associations, Tanzania    

Proceedings of  the 4th COTUL Scientific Conference, 7th-11th November, 2022