The quest for a development-oriented information society in the sub-Saharan Africa: implications for CPD programmes of LIS professionals in the region

Abstract

This paper reviews key values and skills that CPD initiatives for LIS professionals in the subSaharan region should focus on to enable them effectively contribute to the transformation of the region into an information society. The article argues that LIS professionals in the sub-Saharan countries can contribute to the transformation of the region to a development-oriented information society. In so doing, they will contribute to social development and specifically the attainment of Millennium Development Goals. To be active participants in the emerging information society LIS professionals in the region must possess certain values, skills and knowledge in areas such as advocacy, management and leadership, ICT and research. They should also be conversant with contextual issues relating to the global information society such as sustainable development, information literacy, gender and development, globalisation, human rights, and, ethics. The findings in this paper lay the basis for further investigation and planning of CPD programmes in the region.