Directorate of Library and Archive Services

Mr. / Director /
CONTACT US:

Office of the Director : Adult Education

Tel: (+264 61 293 3180/1) (Private Secretary)

Fax: (+264 61 293 3168)

Government Office Park, Luther Street, Windhoek

The Directorate of Namibia Library And Archives Service (NLAS)

The Directorate is dedicated to ensuring equitable access to information by implementing both national and international standards. It plays a crucial role in the collection and dissemination of diverse educational materials, including books and e-resources. The Directorate also prioritizes enhancing digital literacy by offering free internet access and basic computer training, which helps empower individuals and communities with essential skills.

Additionally, the Directorate actively promotes awareness of library services while working to preserve cultural heritage through outreach programs. Its comprehensive services include archival and records management, the preservation of both local and international resources, and the provision of national and international standard numbers, all aimed at fostering a well-informed and connected society.

The Directorate consist of five (5) divisions:

The Public Library Service is mandated to facilitate the development of information and computer literacy skills through community libraries.
Ensure that citizens have access to all sorts of information in all formats, (including Braille and audio books for the visually impaired library users).

Set standards to support oral tradition and indigenous knowledge, provide facilities to support individual and self-conducted education (Open Distance Learning), as well as formal education at all levels. Facilitate the establishment of new community libraries, monitor and evaluate all library activities countrywide.

Centrally procure, process (cataloguing and classification), distribute library materials, collect and compile national statistics.
Identify training needs and facilitate the training. Assist with ICT deployment to all community libraries in Namibia and train all staff members, to be able to train community members and create and maintain the National community library catalogue.

Currently public library service boasts a network of sixty-five (65) public libraries in all fourteen (14) regions.