• The Busitema University Library will adopt a single-tier system in which all senior/professional library staff (M7-M3) will be classified as Academic and Scientific, in place of the previous two-tier system (Academic and Administrative). In the finest interests of the university, the Academic status creates alternative pathways to Academic growth. For instance, motivated librarians can advance more quickly; it fosters Innovation and Creativity. It offers opportunities for librarians to contribute academically to the university. It encourages practical research in libraries and information science. It encourages the university community to acquire additional Literacy skills through instruction. It enhances service delivery through the specialization of library functions and it enhances the university's reputation.
• As is the case in academic units, these proposals institutionalize the academic and management function of the University Library and give mandate, responsibility, and recognition to the work done by all library staff. This will make librarians more accountable in their roles.
• Academic ranks serve as the foundation for the Library's management and administrative structure. When these proposals are institutionalized going forward, the University is unlikely to be burdened financially. Similar to Academic units, where heads of academic units receive leadership allowances and responsibilities, the library has an "extra load" that compensates all library staff for overtime work. Heads of Specialized Units and Campus Librarians will receive additional compensation for their Managerial and Leadership responsibilities.
• Administrative positions created to match the academic rank, for example, M5 - Chief Cataloguer, Systems Librarian/ Digital Services Librarian, E-Resources and Acquisitions Librarian, & Head User Services; M6.1 - Archivist, Subject Librarians (Assistant Librarian I Trainee), Systems Administrator, & Bindery Staff.
• As is the case for academic units, we propose to institutionalize the Library Committees to further promote participatory management in the library. Because library committees are not institutionalized and lack participation from professional librarians, especially in decision-making process, these are rendered unfunctional and so will cripple library work;
• The proposed changes are in line with the current changing roles of professional librarians, advancement in library and instructional technology, changing information landscape, and human information behavior in ODeL, while addressing COVID-19-induced challenges to access to information. The current library structure doesn’t well allow librarians to actively participate in online teaching and learning ~ the University’s new strategic direction;
• The Amendments acknowledge the importance of Professional development and the need for more Academic librarians. The current structure creates redundancy and low productivity, is role-limited, and has a rigid structure that does not provide opportunities for professional growth. Academic advancements are supported by the Academic structure, but the administrative structure offers alternatives and guidance for growing and utilizing this expanding Human resource.
• The library continues to be marginalized as a result of a lack of participation and limited advocacy of the profession within and outside the university community. The proposed amendments provide for a window of participation by the librarians, especially at the Campus level which is currently lacking.
• Library and Information Sciences is restricted to Library and information science, Librarianship, Information Studies, Information Science, Office and Information Management, Archives/ Archival studies, and Museum studies.
• The library develops its mandate from the parent organization, and its functions are derived from the user group served. Within the confines of the mandate of the faculties, it is hereby proposed that the Campus Libraries adopt and be baptized names derived from the faculty served and thus will be known as Special libraries for the served user group, for example, Engineering Library, Science and Education Library, Agriculture and Animal Sciences Library, etc.

University Library Academic Status Proposal