Building Strong Library Associations Programme

Programme OverviewNaomi Haasbroek

SCECSAL Conference, Botswana, December 2010

• 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

An introduction to IFLA

• Development of standards and guidelines

• Promotion of best practices, training

• Advocacy

• Partnerships

• Meetings, conferences, publications

IFLA’s work

• 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

Action for Development through Libraries programme (ALP)

• 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.

IFLA Africa Section

• 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

Building Strong Library Association Programme goals

• 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

Programme management

BSLA programme components

• A modular, customisable training package – Building Strong Library Associations 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

• 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

Core trainers and facilitators

• 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

Country projects

• Capacity building and sustainability

• Research and case studies for the benefit of all library associations

• Success stories

Project outcomes

• 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

Botswana Library Association

• Deadline 1 April 2011

• Application forms and guidelines available on IFLA website (http://www.ifla.org)

• Send to IFLA Africa Office and copy to alp@ifla.org

• For more information contact Fiona Bradley at fiona.bradley@ifla.org

Call for 2011 applications