Information Science as a tool for socio-economic development: Libraries taking the lead in transforming society in Zimbabwe

By: Collence.T.Chisita

Abstract

Libraries are critical institutions whose services permeate each and every aspect of human life. The pervasive natures of libraries make them indispensable tools for socio-economic and spiritual development of human kind. Libraries are the foremost cultural institutions of our times that provide a free space for the pursuit of knowledge. The essence of the library as a place and an institution lies in providing free and equal access to knowledge irrespective of race, caste, sex, or age .Appadorai views libraries as God’s gifts to humankind and this distinguishes libraries from those institutions whose services and products are profit driven.1