The African Library & Information Association & Institutions has put out a call for papers.
Currently, the Fourth Industrial revolution is building on digital technology as data and knowledge become the premium commodities for innovative solutions; as people, machines and locations become hyper-connected and lines between digital, physical and biological realities blur. So many possibilities exist with the different strands and components of 4IR as learning, teaching, research and scholarly communications have heavily migrated online due to the COVID-19 pandemic. All these undergird the theme of the 4th AfLIA Conference and 6th African Libraries Summit ‘Fourth Industrial Revolution, sustainable development and African libraries’.
Africa is facing developmental challenges in all sectors that need innovative solutions. The 4IR can only be driven with knowledge, access to information and skills that will enable Africans to learn, think and innovate. AfLIA, as the trusted platform for African librarians in the continent and the diaspora sees potentials for libraries to be integrated into national, regional and industrial thrusts for 4IR initiatives in the continent. We are therefore highly interested in getting all Library professionals ready for the 4IR; ready for the future that is already here.
The 2021 AfLIA Conference and 6th African Libraries Summit will offer librarians the opportunities to learn more about 4IR, update their skills and understand their roles as African countries work on Smart City ideas, Connectivity, Open Science and Machine Learning among other features of 4IR. This 4th AfLIA Conference and 6th African Library Summit will include preconference workshops, Keynote and paper presentations from experts, posters, Ignite Talks as well as sessions by AfLIA Sections and entities in the industry who may wish to participate. AfLIA is also introducing the Big Ideas Podium for innovative and creative thinkers in the profession who can stir others up through spoken word artistry and help the African Library sector see the future of libraries in the continent properly as pertains to the 4IR.
Please visit https://web.aflia.net/call-for-papers-4th-aflia-conference-and-6th-african-library-summit/ for more information.
