The 3rd National Research Dissemination Conference
Organised by the Malawi Library Association & Partners
Theme
“Transforming Information Access and Knowledge Systems in the Digital Era”
28 - 29 October 2026 Sunbird Livingstonia Beach, Salima, Malawi
CALL FOR PAPERS
Preamble
We invite you to participate in the 3rd National Research Dissemination Conference organised by the Malawi Library Association (MALA) and partners scheduled for 28th to 29th October 2026 at Sunbird Livingstonia Beach, Salima, Malawi. This conference aims to bring together scholars, practitioners, policymakers, and students to engage in meaningful dialogue on emerging trends in information science, librarianship, and knowledge management in Malawi and beyond.
TRANSFORMING INFORMATION ACCESS AND KNOWLEDGE SYSTEMS IN THE DIGITAL ERA
The rapid advancement of digital technologies continues to reshape how information is created, accessed, managed, and disseminated. In the context of developing countries such as Malawi, these transformations present both opportunities and challenges for libraries, archives, and information centres.
The rise of digital platforms, open access initiatives, artificial intelligence, and data-driven decision-making is redefining the roles of information professionals. Libraries are increasingly becoming hubs for digital inclusion, lifelong learning, and community engagement. At the same time, issues such as digital divide, information ethics, data security, and preservation of indigenous knowledge remain critical.
This conference seeks to explore innovative strategies, policies, and practices that can enhance equitable access to information, strengthen knowledge systems, and support sustainable development in Malawi and the broader African context.
Conference Aim
The conference will provide a multidisciplinary platform for the following practitioners to share research findings, practical experiences, and innovative solutions related to the conference theme:
- Academics and researchers
- Librarians and information professionals
- Archivists and records managers
- ICT specialists
- Students and policymakers
Conference Sub-Themes
We invite submissions on topics including, but not limited to:
- Digital libraries and institutional repositories
- Information access and the digital divide
- Knowledge management and innovation
- Records and archives management
- Digital preservation and curation
- Open access and scholarly communication
- Indigenous knowledge systems
- Information literacy and user education
- Artificial intelligence in libraries and information services
- Big data and data analytics
- E-government and information services
- Information ethics, privacy, and cybersecurity
- Library services in rural and underserved communities
- Mobile technologies and information access
- Health informatics and information systems
- Education and training in information science
- Social media and information dissemination
- Sustainable development and information services
Guidelines for Submission of Abstracts
and Full Papers
You are invited to submit an abstract of your proposed paper in electronic format based on the following guidelines:
- Abstract Length: 300 - 350 words
- The abstract should include:
- Purpose
- Methodology/approach
- Findings
- Practical implications
- Originality/value
- Keywords
- Paper type (research paper, case study, conceptual paper, etc.)
- The heading should include:
- Title of the paper
- Author name(s)
- Affiliation(s)
- Email address(es)
Important Dates
- Registration deadline: 30th June 2026
- Abstract submission deadline: 31st July 2026
- Notification of acceptance: 31st August 2026
- Full paper submission deadline: 15th September 2026
- Conference dates: 28th to 29th October 2026
Full Paper Guidelines
- Length: 4,000 - 6,000 words
- Font: Times New Roman, size 12
- Spacing: Single
- Referencing style: APA 7th edition
Accepted papers will be published in the conference proceedings. Selected high-quality papers may be considered for publication in accredited journals.
Submission Procedures
Abstracts should be sent to mala2026rdc@mala.mw and copied to pmapulanga@kuhes.ac.mw
and phiri.a@mzuni.ac.mw.
Conference Secretariat
Email: mala2026rdc@mala.mw.
Conference Fees and Registration
- The conference fees for registered MALA members are MK250,000 per participant,and MK300,000 for non-registered MALA members.
- Students’ fee is MK100,000 per student (Proof of studentship required).
- Retirees’ fee is MK100,000 per retiree.
- The fee for paper presenters is MK200,000, regardless of MALA membership.
- Late registration will attract an additional fee of MK50,000 per participant for local participants.
- International delegates' registration fee is US$300, and the late registration fee is US$350.
Note
- The fees will cover conference materials, teas, luncheons, and excursions.
- Registration details can be found on the conference website for the Malawi Library Association https://mala.mw/events.php
- Proforma invoices will be provided once you register online.
Payments
Cash payments can be made at registration. However, bank payments can be made to the following bank account:
Account Name: Malawi Library Association
Bank: National Bank of Malawi
Account No.: 1092413
Branch: Zomba Branch
Swift Code: NBMAMWMW006
For details, please see: https://mala.mw/events.php
Travel and Accommodation
Participants are responsible for their own travel arrangements. Additional information on recommended accommodation options will be shared in due course. Most SADC residents do not require an entry VISA to travel to Malawi. For those requiring visas, it is advisable to apply in good time to the Malawian Embassy in your respective countries. The Conference Organising Committee will facilitate letters to confirm the hosting of the conference.
Participants are expected to make their own accommodation arrangements. More information about alternative accommodation is available on: Participants are responsible for their own travel arrangements. Additional information on recommended accommodation options will be shared in due course. Most SADC residents do not require an entry VISA to travel to Malawi. For those requiring visas, it is advisable to apply in good time to the Malawian Embassy in your respective countries. The Conference Organising Committee will facilitate letters to confirm the hosting of the conference.
Participants are expected to make their own accommodation arrangements. More information about alternative accommodation is available on: https://mala.mw/events.php
Contact Information
For further information, please contact:
Conference Secretariat
Email: mala2026rdc@mala.mw; pmapulanga@kuhes.ac.mw and phiri.a@mzuni.ac.mw. Cell: +265 888 855 528; +265 995 635 299
We
look forward to your participation in this important event.