Namibia is currently hosting the 6th Africa Library and Information Associations and Institutions (AFLIA) Conference and the 8th African Library three-day summit, which started on May 20th in Windhoek.

Namibia Library and Archives Service Director Sarah Negumbo says the conference brings together African librarians to network.

Negumbo says that this is the first time the AFLIA Conference is being hosted in Namibia.

"We pay membership on a yearly basis, and it is also a sign to show that we have national libraries, national archives, as well as school libraries and community libraries where our librarians are ensuring that they share information with the communities."

She says that community members are welcome to visit their libraries and access information, adding that libraries are no longer places where you can only borrow books physically, but you can also do so virtually.

"We have access to subscriptions to e-resources, so our users can access our libraries in the communities and also have access to e-resources. This includes database information, subscriptions to books, and so forth."

At the end, she encouraged their users to reach out to them via telephone so they can assist them.

Former President of AFLIA Dr. Mandla Ntombela reiterated the challenge of rural areas being left out due to a lack of internet services.

"Nowadays, information is primarily on digital platforms where it is easy to access. As we speak here, when sitting on a digital platform, you can see what is happening here, but if you are not, you cannot access that kind of information."

The conference ends on Thursday.