The Library and Information Association of South Africa (LIASA) is the SAQA recognised Professional Body for the Library, Information and related sectors. LIASA was launched on 10 July 1997. LIASA is a non-profit organisation (009-577NPO), uniting and representing all institutions and people working in libraries and information services in South Africa. It strives to unite, develop and empower all people in the library and information field into an organisation that provides dynamic leadership in transforming, developing and sustaining library and information services for all people in South Africa. LIASA's membership consists of individuals interested in or working in libraries and information services and institutions or organisations that maintain or are interested in libraries and information services. The Association is divided into 10 branches that reside in each province in the country, with two based in Gauteng. The Association is governed by a Representative Council elected by its members. An Executive Committee consisting of elected officials is mandated by the Council to implement its policies and programmes. The Executive Committee's activities are guided by a strategic plan that is revised every 4 years.