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The Consortium of Tanzania University and Research Libraries (COTUL) of which SUA is a member held its Training workshop and Annual General Meeting in Mwanza on 2-4 December 2020. Five staff members [Prof. F.W.Dulle, Dr. W. Mtega, Mr. P. Abiud, Mr V. Inyasi, Mr. S. Chika and Ms L. Kasuke] from SUA attended the event in question. The theme for the workshop was “Discovery and Utilization of E-Resources for Supporting Research, Teaching and Learning”. The training workshop aimed at bringing together researchers, academicians, librarians, and information professionals to learn and share experiences on current trends on the discovery and effective utilization of scholarly content, marketing of e-resources and e-resources usage patterns.

There were also exhibitions from various publishers, of interest to SUA was an exhibition for E-books by Baobab E-book Services. This company provide various options and packages for E-books. The pricing modal for Members of Consortium is very attractive and would suggest SUA consider procurements of E-books in a future purchase. During AGM, among issues of concern, was low usage of E-resources in Tanzania.

It was observed that usage of E-resources was very low to some Institutions. SUA was commended for leading in the usage of E-resources from Emerald. The matter was discussed at length and it was recommended that each COTUL member institution should lay strategies to enhance the usage of E-resources subscribed by COTUL and other partners in order to get value for money. It was resolved that from the coming AGM, COTUL will start awarding certificates of recognition to institutions highly ranked in E-resources usage.

For the year 2020, the Sokoine National Agricultural Library (SNAL) experienced changes and encouraging developments in various aspects. These include changes in management; space creation and re-arrangement of shelves; SNAL face-lifting by painting the building and enrolling new graduates.

SNAL has a new Director

The library has a new Director with effect from July 2020 - Prof. Camilius A. Sanga was appointed by the University Council to replace Prof. M.J.F. Lwehabura who completed his tenure of duty as the acting Director. Camilius A. Sanga is a Professor of Informatics since 2017. He holds a PhD in Computer Science from the University of the Western Cape, South Africa. He served as Head of the Department of Informatics (2011-2017). Prof. Sanga is a member of various Management and Professional Boards and Committees within and outside the university.

Following this appointment, SNAL staff members had a welcome meeting where Prof. M. J. F. Lwehabura, the former Ag. Director introduced Prof Sanga to the staff. SNAL staff happily welcomed Prof. Sanga and promised full cooperation in discharging his new duties.

Face-lifting SNAL

Some renovations and re-painting work to the entire library building, both inside and outside as well as thinning and pruning of the surrounding trees have changed the appearance of the place. . Aside from painting, some new furniture for staff and users have been acquired, The library looks more attractive to users and offers its staff a better working environment.

Space creation

SNAL has managed to create space of a total of 400 seats for users. Space was created by reducing as well as moving the shelves from one side to the other for the following collections: the Old journal collection area (Ground floor left side); General book Collection (The first floor – left side) and Special collection on the first floor – right side). Having created this sitting space, users including staff, researchers and students are already experiencing the comfort of a spacious room for academic undertakings

Academic achievement

In 2019/2020 the following SNAL staff have successfully finished their studies:

Doctorate (PhD)

1. Nicholaus Mwalukasa- Former Department of Information Studies

 Bachelor Degree

1. Ester Chisaki – Former Department of Knowledge Management
2. Shabani Chika - Former Department of Reference and Community Information Services

SNAL Director, Prof Camilius Sanga (third from the right) explaining about the services provided at Special Collection section 

Chairman of the Council of the Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA), retired judge Othmani Chande visited the Sokoine National Agricultural Library on December 16, 2020, where he had an opportunity to witness library renovation activities towards the improvement of information services delivery to academic and farmers community at large. 

SNAL Director, Prof. Camilius Sanga had a privilege to take Chairman to different library sections including Mkulima library that serves farmers community through its printed collection held at SNAL premises and electronic collection that can be accessed at Mkulima repository. 

Prof Sanga (standing) speaking on a welcome meeting at SNAL

The Sokoine National Agricultural Library (SNAL) would like to sincerely congratulate Prof. Camilius A. Sanga for being appointed by the University Council at the Sokoine University of Agriculture as a Director of the Sokoine National Agricultural Library. Camilius A. Sanga is a Professor of Informatics since 2017. He holds a PhD in Computer Science from the University of the Western Cape, South Africa. He served as Head of the Department of Informatics (2011-2017). Prof. Sanga is a member of various Management and Professional Boards and Committees within and outside the University.

Prof Lwehabura (standing) speaking on a welcome meeting

Following his appointment, SNAL staff held a welcome meeting where Prof. M. J. F. Lwehabura, the former Ag. Director of SNAL introduced Prof Sanga to the staff. SNAL staff happily welcomed Prof. Sanga and promised full cooperation in discharging his new duties.

SNAL staff on a welcome meeting

Once again, Congratulations Prof Sanga and welcome to SNAL