Abstract:
This presentation by Dr. Fredrick Kiwuwa Lugya, President, Uganda Library and Information Association (ULIA) argues for the central role of libraries in building a robust and inclusive national Open Science ecosystem for Uganda. It contends that libraries are fundamental infrastructure, not peripheral support, and are critical partners for national development.
The presentation outlines the core contributions libraries already make, including building and managing essential digital infrastructure like institutional repositories and researcher profiles, championing necessary open access policies, and providing expert data management support.
A strategic "Framework for Action" is proposed, calling for the formal integration of libraries into the national Open Science roadmap. Key recommendations include mandating and funding Institutional Repositories, including librarians on research committees, and launching joint advocacy to amend national laws and secure centralized funding for digital resources. The conclusion asserts that recognizing and investing in libraries is essential for creating an open science environment that truly serves Uganda’s needs.
Description:
This presentation, delivered by Dr. Fredrick Kiwuwa Lugya on behalf of the Uganda Library and Information Association (ULIA), positions Ugandan libraries as fundamental and strategic partners in building a national Open Science ecosystem.
The core argument is that for Open Science in Uganda to be truly robust and inclusive, libraries must be recognized as essential infrastructure, not peripheral support. The presentation outlines ULIA's mission and strategic goals, emphasizing principles of equity, collaboration, and innovation.
It details the critical contributions libraries and librarians already make, which form the bedrock for Open Science. These include:
Building Infrastructure: Managing institutional repositories, research profiles (ORCID), and digital gateways.
Championing Policy: Advocating for knowledge as a public good and supporting Open Access policies.
Enabling Discovery: Using expertise in data management and metadata to make research findable and accessible.
The presentation proposes a concrete "Framework for Action" for strategic collaboration. Key recommendations include integrating libraries into the national Open Science roadmap, mandating and funding Institutional Repositories, and including librarians on research committees from the outset.
The way forward calls for joint advocacy to amend national laws, secure centralized funding for e-resources, and formalize ULIA's role in policy formulation. The overall vision is to accelerate national development by fully leveraging the transformative power of libraries and information.
