Upgrading, renovations of national library, archives building commences – Completion expected March 2020
The upgrading and the renovation of the National Library and the National Archives building commenced this month and is expected to be completed by the end of March 2020.
The Ministry of Education, Arts and Culture in a statement this week told the general public, students, researchers and other stakeholders that due to these renovations, there will be periodic interruptions to services from time to time.
The Ministry has prioritized the renovation due to the frequent downtimes, that has been experienced by both institutions, hence the building is one of the projects that is being funded by the African Development Bank to the tune of about N$18.5 million.
This amount has been set aside to replace all of the water pipes, repair the fire sprinkler system, the electrical works and the overhauling of the air-conditioning system, amongst other repairs.
According to the Ministry, the renovation process is very essential, in order to ensure that the country’s documentary heritage is preserved for research and for posterity.
The National Library is a public research institution mandated by the Namibia Library and Information Act, Act number 4 of 2000 to collect, preserve and promote access to its collection, nationally and internationally.
It also serves as the only National Bibliographic Agency responsible for the allocation of the International Standard Book Number / International Standard Serial Number (ISBN / ISSN), to publishers and authors of books, magazines or anything published in Namibia.
Meanwhile the National Library contributes to the socio-economic, cultural, educational, scientific and innovative development of Namibia by collecting, recording, preserving and making available the national documentary heritage and promoting an awareness and appreciation thereof, by facilitating access to the world’s information resources.
The National Archives is the only government institution responsible for setting standards, inspecting records and ensuring all Offices, Ministries, Agencies and State-Owned Enterprises follow proper records management, as mandated by an Act of Parliament, the Archives Act, Act number 12 of 1992. It promotes efficient, accountable and transparent government through the proper management and care of government records. It houses the National documentary Heritage dating back to the 1800’s.
