A diminutive, literate white populace in proximity to administrative centers led the establishment of widespread libraries in a thinly populated territory.

[12] In 1928, the Carnegie Corporation of New York tasked Messrs. M. J. Ferguson and S.A. Pitt with conducting a thorough investigation into the provision of library services across South Africa, Rhodesia, and Kenya.

Within Southern Rhodesia, which at that time was inhabited by approximately 45,000 Whites, 100,000 Africans, and 4,000 Coloured individuals, Pitt observed that libraries had been established and were being sustained primarily as subscription-based institutions, receiving minimal financial assistance from the government and the municipalities in which they were located.

[13][14] This observation consequently highlighted the reality that member subscriptions constituted the predominant source of funding for library expenditures.

During this conference, Mr. Niven received a mandate to prepare and present a proposal to a fully representative committee that was established during the meeting.

[18] Nonetheless, in 1939, following extensive revisions of the proposal, a launching grant was allocated to the Bulawayo Public Library, conditional upon the Government's contribution to the operational costs of maintaining a national free lending service.

In addition to the older colony, the association started an effort to think about the future development of library facilities in the three English-speaking Central African territories that appeared to have many resources and needs in common.

The Varley Report elucidated that the overarching landscape of library services in Central Africa was characterized by disparate and uncoordinated initiatives.

The primary goal delineated was the establishment of a National Library Service encompassing the three territories, meticulously planned at all operational tiers.

[20] Shortly after the completion of the Varley Report in 1951, the amalgamation of the three Central African territories transpired, culminating in the formation of the Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland in 1953.

It suggested that local authorities should retain the primary responsibility for services in urban areas and larger towns.

[26] In English-speaking Central Africa, the National Free Library, located in Bulawayo, seemed to be the sole provider of common reading materials for all regions.

This new service was intended to focus on the free loan of essential academic and technical books for serious study, leaving the responsibility for general and light reading materials to the town libraries.

[28] Thirdly, the long-standing subscription system throughout British Central Africa complicated the efforts of the National Free Library Service.

[34] This study assessed the current state of library services and their potential development and funding, considering the cultural, social, economic, and technical needs of the nation.

[35] Although it lacked the authority to formulate or enforce regulations, it signified the inaugural government board convening libraries from across the nation.

The NLDS Bill was drafted, approved by the House of Assembly and Senate, and received Presidential Assent and passed as an Act in January 1985.