The National Central Library of Tanzania has underscored the importance of formally registering all publications containing information on the nation’s mineral resources, describing such materials as part of the country’s intellectual legacy that must be preserved for current and future generations.
During a recent official visit to the Ministry of Minerals in Dodoma, senior officials from the library’s Dar es Salaam and Dodoma branches met with Ministry representatives to discuss the safeguarding of mining-related data. Speaking at the engagement, Senior Officer at the National Library, Ms Laura Ndomba, stressed the need to properly document and archive publications containing critical insights into Tanzania’s mining sector.
Ms Ndomba praised the Ministry and its affiliated institutions for the impressive quantity and quality of professional publications they have produced over the years. These documents, she said, encompass a wide range of valuable information including research findings, policy frameworks, technical guidelines, statistical records, and reports on strategic mining projects.
“We consider this information a national asset. It is essential that these publications are registered with the National Library to ensure their legal protection and availability for current and future generations,” said Ms Ndomba.
The National Library Authority maintains that the legal deposit of government publications not only facilitates their long-term preservation but also guards against the unauthorised use of the country’s intellectual property. Additionally, registering these documents contributes to the expansion of a well-established national knowledge base, in line with the country’s library legislation.
Ms Asteria Muhozya, Head of the Government Communication Unit at the Ministry of Minerals, acknowledged that the Ministry has previously faced difficulties in consistently registering technical and research-based documents with the National Library.
“Registering our publications with the National Library will ensure that critical information is both legally protected and accessible to the public via Ministry platforms and the library’s repositories,” Ms Muhozya said.
As the mining sector continues to play a vital role in Tanzania’s development, both institutions have expressed a shared commitment to ensuring that its wealth of intellectual and technical knowledge is not only preserved but also made widely available to support future policy, research, and innovation.
