Department of Library
The State Library is responsible for serving as a catalyst for establishing and retaining literate population, providing information to all those in need, collecting and preserving national and the global writings. Whilst the State Archives is responsible for preserving the national documentary heritage for use by the state and the public through acquiring, selecting and caring of records bearing enduring historical value. For the department to achieve its mandate it performs the following functions:
- Provides library and archives services;
- Develops national policies and legal frameworks;
- Provides and maintains standards and guidelines in the library and archives fraternity;
- Provides technical, professional and advisory services in the field of librarianship, records management and archives administration;
- Promotes reading culture through reading campaigns and book exhibitions;
- Compiles and publishes national bibliography of books published in Lesotho;
- Administers and allocates International Standard Book Numbers (ISBN) and International Standard Serial Numbers (ISSN) to publishers in Lesotho;
- Collects maintenance and preservation of national literary heritage;
- Coordinates and liaise with regional and international organizations e.g. SCECSAL, AFLIA, ICA, ESARBICA and IFLA;