# LIASA

> organisation involved in scholarly research

**Wikidata**: [Q74547862](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q74547862)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/liasa

## Summary
LIASA (Library and Information Association of South Africa) is a South African research institute whose primary mission is to advance scholarly research in library and information science. It serves as the national professional body for librarians and information workers while also functioning as an academic research organization.

## Key Facts
- **Country**: South Africa (verified by South African National Bibliography reference Q69652283)
- **Instance of**: Research institute (formally classified as such in Wikidata)
- **Primary publication**: South African Journal of Library and Information Science (peer-reviewed academic journal)
- **Aliases**: Library and Information Association of South Africa (official full name)
- **Peer review process**: Operates formal peer review for its academic journal as documented in its editorial policies

## FAQs
### Q: What does LIASA stand for?
A: LIASA stands for Library and Information Association of South Africa, which is the official professional association for librarians and information specialists in South Africa.

### Q: Is LIASA a research organization or a professional association?
A: LIASA functions as both - it is formally classified as a research institute while also serving as the national professional body for library and information science practitioners in South Africa.

### Q: What is LIASA's main publication?
A: LIASA publishes the South African Journal of Library and Information Science, a peer-reviewed academic journal that follows formal peer review processes for scholarly research in the field.

## Why It Matters
LIASA represents a unique hybrid model in the global library and information science landscape, combining the functions of a professional association with those of a formal research institute. This dual role positions it as both the guardian of professional standards for South African librarians and a contributor to the international scholarly discourse through its research activities and journal publication. The organization's existence reflects the critical role that information access and library services play in South Africa's development, particularly in addressing historical inequalities in information access. By maintaining rigorous peer review standards for its journal, LIASA ensures that African perspectives and research in library science receive proper academic validation and international visibility.

## Notable For
- **Dual mandate**: Combines professional association functions with formal research institute classification
- **National scope**: Serves as South Africa's primary professional body for the library and information science sector
- **Academic rigor**: Maintains peer-reviewed publication standards through the South African Journal of Library and Information Science
- **Continental representation**: Provides an African voice in international library and information science research

## Body
### Organizational Structure
LIASA operates under the formal classification of a research institute while maintaining its role as a professional association. This dual structure allows it to serve both the research community and practicing professionals in South Africa's library and information science sector.

### Research Activities
As a research institute, LIASA's primary research output is the South African Journal of Library and Information Science. The journal operates under formal peer review processes as documented in its editorial policies, ensuring academic rigor in published research.

### Geographic Scope
The organization is based in South Africa and serves as the national professional body for the country's library and information science practitioners. Its research activities and publications contribute to both national and international scholarly discourse in the field.

## References

1. [Directory of Open Access Journals](http://sajlis.journals.ac.za/pub/about/editorialPolicies#peerReviewProcess)