History

The Tanzania Library Association was established in 1973 following the dissolution of the East African Library Association (EALA). Since then it has been the sole professional organisation representing library and information personnel throughout Tanzania.

Core functions since founding

• Advising Government and private bodies on establishing and managing libraries.
• Organising meetings, seminars, workshops and conferences to develop professional skills.
• Publishing journals, bulletins and newsletters.
• Keeping records of members.
• Collaborating with national and international library associations and institutions.
• Raising funds through membership fees, grants and donations.
• Setting standards of professional conduct for members.

Today the Association continues to support the development of library and information services across Tanzania and to engage with regional and international library organisations.

The Association's current Constitution was adopted by the Annual General Meeting in Arusha on 25 February 2005, under the name Tanzania Library and Information Association (TLA). In Kiswahili the Association is known as Chama cha Wakutubi Tanzania.

[To be provided by TLA: other key milestones and past chairpersons.]