Abstract:
This study assessed the contribution of the Tanzania Library Association in Enhancing the
Librarianship Profession: Views from Under 40-Year-Olds librarians were gathered. The
study adopted a quantitative approach with a case study design. Thirty-six respondents
purposively selected from the Tanzania Librarian Forum and the Tanzania Library As sociation were involved in this study. Data were collected through a questionnaire
created using a Google form. The questionnaire was shared with respondents and re mained active for 2 weeks to allow them to fill it in. Data were analysed using the
Statistical Package for Service Solutions (SPSS) Version 23 computer programme. The
study found that 47.2% of participants were very familiar with TLA, which suggests that a
substantial portion of the participants strongly understand the Tanzania Library and
Information Association (TLA) and its objectives. Regarding the perceived contribution of
TLA in advancing professional development opportunities for librarians under 40, results
demonstrated that a majority, comprising 24 respondents (66.7%), agreed that TLA
indeed fosters such opportunities. Furthermore, 41.7% reported that TLA enhances
networking platforms for librarians under 40. However, another 30.6% said that TLA was
essential in addressing the ever-evolving needs and issues faced by librarians under 40.
Professional associations are vital for the career development of their members, and TLA
is not left behind. From the findings, the study recommends that TLA continues to fosterdevelopment in its members by utilising different strategies like preparation and con ducting continuous professional training courses for its members and the library pro fession at large, publicity among different institutions within and outside the country and
forging links with other international information professional associations.
