The Health Library Staff Association of Ghana (HESLAG) has successfully held its maiden conference and official inauguration at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi.
The two-day conference, themed “Quality Teaching, Learning and Research in Health Training: The Role of the Library”, brought together key stakeholders to deliberate on the evolving role of libraries in health education.
The gathering, held from 6th-7th February 2025 aimed to highlight the pivotal role of libraries in enhancing health education and equipping students and faculty with the tools necessary for innovative learning and research.
Provost of the College of Health Sciences and chairman of the conference, Professor Christian Agyare, underscored the evolving role of libraries and librarians in the digital era. He noted the increasing reliance on electronic resources and urged members to champion the integration of ICT in health libraries. He also advocated for the adoption of problem-based learning which is more interactive.
“Students today are IT-savvy, we need innovative ways to engage them. The use of problem-based learning will make education more interactive and in tune with the fast-growing digital landscape,” he revealed.
The Head of Health Training Institutes, Mr Samuel Akotuah commended the association for uniting as a professional body to advocate for library staff and improve services across schools.
He proposed the establishment of community practice among members to facilitate continuous professional development and advocacy for better work conditions.
“Community practice will enhance collaboration by building stronger networks among health library staff, leading to more cohesive and efficient operations. It will also help you to advocate for common interests by presenting a unified voice to address challenges and promote the value of health library services within our institutions,” he stated.
Head of the Conference of Heads of Health Training Institutions (COHHETI), Miss Magaret Mary Alacoque, reaffirmed the organization’s support for the development of health libraries.
“Through shared insights and commitment to excellence, we can elevate the quality of teaching learning and research in health training institutions,” she said
With more health training institutions transition into degree-awarding institutions, librarians play a crucial role in guiding students, faculty, and staff to access the right academic resources.
“Competency-based learning requires strong support from well-equipped libraries and skilled librarians. They are great pillars in academic institutions and health training institutions need them most as we transition,” she added.
The President of HELSAG, Mr. Ransford Sarfo Mensah expressed his gratitude to the dignitaries for their support and participation in the event. He said that the inauguration marked the beginning of a new chapter focused on advocating for the welfare of the association and its members.
He reiterated his commitment to championing their interests, pledging to work tirelessly to enhance professional growth, improve working conditions, and strengthen the role of health library staff in education and research.
The conference also featured the swearing-in of new executive members, a review of the association’s constitution, and workshops designed to equip members with knowledge and tools to enhance service delivery.
The event concluded with a call for increased collaboration, professional development, and the establishment of a service framework tailored to the needs of libraries in health training institutions.
With the successful inauguration of HELSAG, stakeholders remain optimistic about the future of health library services in Ghana.
