Building Strong Library Associations Programme Programme Overview Naomi 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 ( Send to IFLA Africa Office and copy to For more information contact Fiona Bradley at Call for 2011 applications