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We are the Pathway
to Knowledge
A Trained Librarian is a powerful Search Engine with a Heart ~ Sarah Mcintyre.
Our pool of highly experienced and skilled professionals are available to help with your information needs.
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Connect with other library
professionals
Participate in workshops and seminars, grow your career, be informed of available opportunities.
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Ensuring high standards of professional
practice & conduct
We provide leadership and direction in developing Library and Information services in the country.
Learn More, Know More, Share More
Somali Library Association
About Us
The Somali Library Association (SLA), established in 2021 and headquartered in Mogadishu, is the first professional organization of its kind in Somalia, dedicated to revitalizing and strengthening the library and information services sector nationwide.
Before the civil war in 1990, libraries were integral to Somalia’s educational and cultural landscape, but the conflict left many facilities destroyed and collections disorganized, lacking essential management skills and modern practices.
Recognizing the vital role libraries can play in rebuilding Somali society, the SLA Was then established coordinates efforts to restore a culture of reading, learning, and knowledge-sharing, which includes the revitalization of the National Library of Somalia, thereby empowering citizens and contributing to the country’s educational, research, and community development goals.
A Message from the President of the Somali Library Association
It is with great pleasure that I welcome you to the official website of the Somali Library Association (SLA). As the founder and president of this newly established organization, founded in 2021 and headquartered in Mogadishu, I am deeply committed to the revitalization and strengthening of the library and information services sector in Somalia, as it plays a crucial role in education, research, and community empowerment.
The Somali Library Association is open to individual members, institutional members, and honorary members who share our vision for the future of libraries and information services in our nation. This is a critical time, as we work to rebuild following the profound effects of the civil war that began in 1990, which severely disrupted our educational system, including the Somali National Library.
This helps librarians stay up-to-date with the latest trends and best practices in the field.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
The association provides opportunities for members to attend conferences, workshops, and training sessions to enhance their knowledge and skills in library and information science.
This helps ensure that the needs and perspectives of librarians are represented in policymaking and resource allocation decisions.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
The association acts as a collective voice for Somali librarians, advocating for their interests and concerns to relevant government bodies and stakeholders.
RECOGNITION AND VISIBILITY
Membership in the association can enhance the visibility and credibility of librarians, and provide opportunities for professional recognition through awards and other forms of acknowledgment.
ACCESS TO INFORMATION AND RESOURCES
Members have access to a range of information resources, such as journals, databases, and online tools, which can be beneficial for their professional work and personal development.
Do you want to partner with us?
Join us in our mission to empower Somali communities through literacy. Become a member of the Somali Library Association today and make a real impact in the lives of Somali citizens