Since the establishment of the first public library in 1818, the South African library and information services
landscape has also been a reflection of the socio-political order and developments in the country. This
article presents an historical perspective as well as an overview of libraries in South Africa since 1994, the
context within which libraries function, library governance and legislative framework, government funding
for redress, library technologies, library and information services education and the professional
association. The article further highlights the importance of libraries in meeting the goals of the national
development agenda towards entrenching a strong democracy and an educated and informed nation.