Guidelines, policies and frameworks
Background Information
The Uganda Library and Information Association (ULIA) is a professional body that represents and advances the interests of Library and Information Science (LIS) professionals in Uganda. The Association’s roots trace back to 1957, when it was founded as the East African Library Association (EALA). Following the collapse of the East African Community in 1972, the Ugandan chapter was reconstituted as the Uganda Library Association (ULA).
Advocacy and Policy
The Uganda Library and Information Association (ULIA) serves as the national professional voice for librarians and information professionals in Uganda. Through advocacy and policy engagement, ULIA promotes an enabling environment for access to information, cultural heritage preservation, education, research, and lifelong learning.
ULIA works to influence policies, laws, and institutional frameworks that affect libraries, archives, information services, and knowledge systems at local, national, and international levels.
Professional Development
The Uganda Library and Information Association (ULIA) is committed to strengthening the professional capacity, relevance, and ethical practice of librarians and information professionals in Uganda.
Through structured training, continuous professional development, mentorship, and knowledge exchange, ULIA supports members to adapt to evolving information environments, emerging technologies, and national development needs.
Curriculum Advisory Services
The Uganda Library and Information Association (ULIA) provides professional curriculum advisory services to support the development, review, and strengthening of education and training programmes in library, information, records, archives, and knowledge management fields.
ULIA’s advisory role aims to ensure that curricula remain relevant, skills-oriented, ethically grounded, and responsive to national development priorities and emerging global trends.
Training and Workshops
The Uganda Library and Information Association (ULIA) organizes training programmes and workshops to strengthen the skills, competencies, and professional relevance of library and information professionals in Uganda.
ULIA’s training activities respond to emerging trends, national development needs, and evolving professional practices, ensuring that participants gain practical knowledge applicable to real work environments.
Libraries and National Development
Libraries and information services are critical enablers of national development. By providing equitable access to information, supporting education and research, preserving knowledge, and promoting digital inclusion, libraries contribute directly to socio-economic transformation.
The Uganda Library and Information Association (ULIA) advocates for the recognition and integration of libraries into national development planning, policy formulation, and implementation.
Right to Information
The right to information is a fundamental human right that enables transparency, accountability, informed participation, and sustainable development. Access to information empowers individuals and communities to make informed decisions and actively engage in social, economic, and civic life.
The Uganda Library and Information Association (ULIA) promotes the realization of the right to information through professional practice, advocacy, capacity building, and public awareness.
ULIA Policy Statements
Policy statements express the official position of the Uganda Library and Information Association (ULIA) on matters affecting libraries, information services, access to knowledge, and professional practice.
These statements provide guidance to policymakers, institutions, partners, and members, and reflect ULIA’s commitment to evidence-based advocacy, professional ethics, and national development.
2. Purpose of ULIA Policy Statements
Why Policy Statements Matter
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