OCLC, the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA), the American Theological Library Association, and OCLC PICA announced the IFLA/OCLC Early Career Development Fellows for 2007. This international fellowship programme prepares librarians to help libraries thrive in developing countries.
The 2007 IFLA/OCLC Fellows were named by Phyllis B. Spies, Vice President, OCLC Collection Management Services, at a news conference during the IFLA World Library and Information Congress: 72nd IFLA General Conference and Council in Seoul, Republic of Korea. The 2007 Fellows are:
- Mr. Kodjo Elolo Atiso, Librarian, Animal Research Institute, Achimota, Ghana
- Mrs. Alicia Chavarria Esguerra, Instructor/Librarian, Bulacan State University, Malolos City, Philippines
- Mrs. Pauline Nicholas, Information Specialist, Mona School of Business, University of the West Indies, Kingston, Jamaica
- Mrs. Elisangela Alves Silva, Information Assistant, Abrinq Foundation for the Rights of Children and Adolescents, São Paulo, Brazil
- Ms. Nevena Tomić, Library Manager, Cultural Centre “Students’ City,” Belgrade, Serbia
The IFLA/OCLC Early Career Development Fellowship Programme supports library and information science professionals from countries with developing economies. The Fellowship programme provides advanced continuing education and exposure to a broad range of issues in information technologies, library operations and management, and global cooperative librarianship. Since its inception in 2001, the programme has welcomed 28 librarians and information science professionals from 21 nations.
During the 2007 programme, which will run from April 27 through June 1, the Fellows will participate in a five-week programme of lectures, seminars and mentoring. Four weeks will be based at OCLC’s headquarters in Dublin, Ohio, USA, and one week will be based at OCLC PICA’s headquarters in Leiden, Netherlands.
The Fellows will visit selected North American and European libraries, library organizations, and cultural heritage institutions, which will provide an opportunity for them to meet leading practitioners and discuss real-world solutions to the challenges facing libraries today. By observing an OCLC Members Council meeting, the Fellows gain insight into issues affecting global library cooperation and are exposed to the governance of a global library cooperative.
Fellows turn their learning and experiences into specific professional development plans that guide their continued growth as well as their personal contributions to their home institutions and country of origin.
“Following five weeks of intensive training and sharing of ideas, these dedicated librarians return to their home countries inspired with a better understanding of how libraries can succeed,” said Ms. Spies. “They are enthusiastic about sharing those ideas, and they’re hopeful that by implementing cooperative approaches modelled after OCLC member libraries, they will be able to help their libraries at home to realise their full potential.”
The selection committee for the 2007 Fellowship programme included: Barbara Kemmis, American Theological Library Association; Sjoerd Koopman, IFLA; Nancy Lensenmayer, OCLC; George Needham, OCLC; Norma Read, University of Cape Town, South Africa; Birgitta Sandell, Uppsala University Library, Sweden; and Rein van Charldorp, OCLC PICA.
The list of programme sponsors has expanded to include OCLC, IFLA, the American Theological Library Association, and OCLC PICA. The four organisations that sponsor the Fellowship programme are seeking additional sponsorships from other interested organisations. More information is available from George Needham, Vice President, OCLC Member Services at needhamg@oclc.org.
Application information for the 2008 Fellowship Programme is available on the OCLC Web site http://www.oclc.org/education/earlycareer/default.htm.
About IFLA
Founded in Edinburgh in September 1927 during the International Congress of Libraries (the 50th Anniversary Conference of the British Library Association), IFLA was established as a small association of mainly national library associations and academic libraries. Today, IFLA’s purpose is to promote international understanding, cooperation, discussion, research and development in all fields of library activity, including bibliography, information services and the education of personnel, and provide a body through which librarianship can be represented in matters of international interest.
About ATLA
Established in 1946, the American Theological Library Association (ATLA) is a professional association of more than 900 individual, institutional, and affiliate members providing programmes, products, and services in support of theological and religious studies libraries and librarians. ATLA’s ecumenical and international membership represents many religious traditions and denominations. For more information visit www.atla.com.
For more information, please contact OCLC PICA Communications by e-mail or by telephone at +31-(0)71-524 65 00.
