The KNUST Library System has reaffirmed its commitment to professional excellence, ethical conduct and effective service delivery at its third Library Durbar, held at the Prempeh II Library Auditorium.
Held under the theme, “Enhancing Service Delivery and Professional Excellence Through Ethics, Discipline and Punctuality in the KNUST Library System,” the durbar provided a platform for staff to reflect on professional conduct, institutional development and strategies for building a world-class library system.
The University Librarian, Dr Richard Bruce Lamptey, opened the durbar by outlining its purpose and highlighting the importance of staff engagement in advancing the objectives of the Library System.
He also reviewed the state of the Library System, discussed future plans and addressed other institutional matters.
A key presentation was delivered by Mrs Bernice Serwaa Ofosuhene Peasah, Senior Counselling Psychologist, on “Ethics and Discipline in Building a World-Class Library System.”
She said a world-class library was defined not only by its infrastructure and collections, but also by the integrity of its staff, the quality of its services and the reliability of its systems.
Mrs Peasah described ethics as being honest and guided by strong moral principles, stressing that professional excellence begins with personal character.
“You cannot build a world-class system with second-class character,” she said.
She said the reputation of the Library System depended largely on the conduct of its staff and their commitment to ethical responsibilities.
Mrs Peasah identified integrity, accountability and punctuality as three non-negotiable pillars of a world-class library system, saying the values must work together to build trust, strengthen professionalism and improve service delivery.
On integrity, she urged staff to treat all library users fairly, irrespective of status, and to uphold honesty and confidentiality in their professional interactions.
She cautioned that favouritism and other unethical practices could undermine public confidence in the Library System.
“If you don't know someone there, you won't get help,” she said, illustrating the kind of negative perception that could arise when users believe services are influenced by favouritism.
She stressed that every user deserved equal treatment and access to library services without discrimination.
On accountability, Mrs Peasah encouraged staff to take ownership of their responsibilities, maintain accurate records and demonstrate transparency in their daily duties.
She cited proper accessioning and circulation records, daily duty logs, handover notes, financial reconciliation and clear reporting structures as practical measures for strengthening accountability.
On punctuality, she described respect for time as an important part of ethical service delivery.
“World-class runs on world-clock, not careless delay,” she said.
Mrs Peasah urged staff to report to their duty posts early, begin activities on schedule and complete assigned tasks within stipulated timelines.
She said punctuality demonstrated respect for colleagues and library users, adding that delays in service delivery could affect the efficiency and reliability of the Library System.
Mrs Peasah said integrity, accountability and punctuality were interconnected and had to be practised together to establish a culture of trust.
She cautioned that punctuality without integrity, or accountability without honesty, would not be enough to achieve professional excellence.
The presentation was followed by an interactive discussion during which participants reflected on common acts of indiscipline in the workplace and explored practical ways of promoting punctuality and mutual accountability among colleagues.
Staff were also encouraged to make personal commitments to ethical conduct, responsible service and professional discipline.
The durbar also provided an opportunity for the University Librarian to brief staff on the state of the Library System, its future plans and other institutional developments.
The programme ended with a call on staff to apply the lessons from the durbar in their daily work as the KNUST Library System pursues efficient, inclusive and user-centred services in support of teaching, learning and research.
