DAR ES SALAAM: TANZANIA Library Services Board (TLSB) will launch the Integrated National Digital Library System (INLDS) in collaboration with the e-Government Authority (eGA).
THE Director-General of TLSB, Dr. Mboni Ruzegea, revealed this ground breaking initiative is part of Tanzania’s broader efforts to modernize library services and expand access to educational resources.
The new digital library system is designed to serve approximately four million people annually when it starts operations in June , offering access to a wide range of library services through digital platforms.
She stressed this today during a press briefing in Dar es Salaam. Dr Ruzegea stressed the goal is to transform how library services are accessed and utilized across the country.
”By providing an online platform, the INLDS will enable users to access a variety of digital resources, including books, journals, and educational materials, from the convenience of their homes or any location with internet access,”she said
Dr. Ruzegea emphasised the importance of this initiative during a press briefing in Dar es Salaam, highlighting its role in enhancing access to knowledge, fostering a culture of reading, and encouraging research in Tanzania.
This digital system is expected to significantly improve the delivery of library services, especially in remote areas where physical libraries may be scarce or inaccessible.
She said TLSB has also made notable investments in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) infrastructure to support this digital transition. To date, the board has installed ICT systems in 12 regional libraries across the country and purchased 609 ICT devices with government funding. These efforts aim to enhance library services and ensure better accessibility for Tanzanians, both in urban and rural areas.
This initiative reflects the government’s commitment to leveraging technology to modernize public services, particularly in the education sector. The INLDS is set to benefit not only students, researchers, and educators but also the general public, who will gain easier access to a wealth of information and resources.
Ultimately, this system will contribute to the nation’s educational development and help to bridge the digital divide in Tanzania.
