Building Strong Library Associations Programme

Programme Overview Naomi Haasbroek SCECSAL Conference, Botswana, December 2010

An introduction to IFLA • IFLA: The global voice of libraries – Promoting high standards of provision and delivery of library and information services and professional practice – Encouraging widespread understanding of the value of good library and information services – Representing the interests of our members throughout the world

IFLA’s work • Development of standards and guidelines • Promotion of best practices, training • Advocacy • Partnerships • Meetings, conferences, publications

Action for Development through Libraries programme (ALP) • ALP aims to further the profession by assisting with education and training, supporting the development of library associations and helping with the introduction of new technologies into libraries • ALP works in developing countries and emerging economies • ALP supports workshops and training activities and longer-term capacity building activities

IFLA Africa Section • IFLA has more than 45 sections on all aspects of library and information activities • The Africa Section is a focal point for networking, research, and events within the continent.

Building Strong Library Association Programme goals • The programme will help library associations and their members increase their potential to: – Improve services for library users – Provide equitable access to information – Develop the library and information profession

Programme management • BSLA is delivered by the IFLA Action for Development through Libraries (ALP) programme • BSLA applications are managed by ALP, with consultation from regional sections and MLAS

BSLA programme components • • • • • A modular, customisable training package

Strong Library Associations – Building

including case studies IFLA’s existing policy training packages (for example, Internet Manifesto training) Mentoring and activities (for example, study tours) In-country, cross-country and across programme activities Use of an online platform to support access to materials, collaboration, and information sharing

Training package contents • • • • From starting an association to advocacy – the modules cover a wide range of topics Each module contains a series of topics, learning objectives, case studies, and opportunities for self assessment Each module can be customised for different social, language and political situations, and to meet the needs of different library associations Developed by content experts and educational designers

Core trainers and facilitators • Experts in library associations are paired with each country project • Trainers work with associations in country, and online using the online platform • The in-country facilitator in each country coordinates the project locally

Country projects • • • • Each country project will last for at least two years Each country is paired with a core trainer for the whole project Countries take part in a series of workshops and other activities Projects are regularly monitored, and evaluated using impact evaluation

Project outcomes • Capacity building and sustainability • Research and case studies for the benefit of all library associations • Success stories

Botswana Library Association • BLA is one of the first countries to take part in the Building Strong Library Associations programme • They will be involved in the programme until 2012

Botswana Library Association • • • •

BLA’s goals: Visibility:

To raise the visibility of the association amongst its key stakeholders

Governance:

To work toward a more engaged and active BLA executive committee

Advocacy:

To identify the role of BLA in advocating for libraries in society and community as part of the new National Library Act and Vision 2016 strategy

Botswana Library Association • To achieve its goals, BLA seeks participation from stakeholders and librarians from across the country • Your membership and active engagement in the association will build a stronger association

Call for 2011 applications • Deadline 1 April 2011 • Application forms and guidelines available on IFLA website (http://www.ifla.org) • Send to IFLA Africa Office and copy to [email protected]

• For more information contact Fiona Bradley at [email protected]