Call to End the Era of Unqualified and Non-Professional Heading Libraries

 Nigerian Library Association Calls for Urgent Reform in Library Sector Leadership

In a bold move to address the long-standing issues plaguing the library and information sector in Nigeria, Pastor Dominic Omokaro, the esteemed President and Chairman of the Council of the Nigerian Library Association (NLA), recently announced the 62nd National Conference and Annual General Meeting set to take place from July 7th to 12th, 2024, in Port Harcourt. The conference, themed “Promoting Diversity and Inclusiveness through Innovative Library and Information Service Delivery in Nigeria,” is not just a routine gathering. It’s a clarion call to action for systemic reform.

Critical Concerns and Actionable Solutions

Pastor Omokaro shed light on the troubling trend of non-librarians occupying leadership roles in libraries across the country—a practice that not only dilutes the essence of professional librarianship but also hampers the growth and effectiveness of library services. From Covenant University in Ota to government-run libraries in the Federal Capital Territory, the issue is widespread and detrimental to the sector's development.

The NLA President emphasized the urgent need for Federal and State Governments to rectify this by issuing employment waivers for the recruitment of professional librarians, especially in the school library system where the situation is particularly dire. The Association also called on the FCT Administration to enhance the public and school library systems, suggesting the establishment of an FCT Library Board for better management.

 National Intervention and Policy Recommendations

Highlighting the critical role of educational regulatory bodies, Omokaro urged institutions to integrate librarians into their accreditation and resource verification teams, ensuring the maintenance of high professional standards. The NLA also seeks governmental support, proposing the appointment of a Special Adviser to the President on Library and Information Matters and advocating for the completion of the National Library of Nigeria headquarters—a project long overdue since the 2nd Republic.

A Collective Effort for Change

The NLA's message is clear: It’s time for a united front to salvage the Nigerian library system and reestablish the country's position as a leader in Africa's educational and informational landscape. The Association calls upon the Nigerian elites, stakeholders, and the general public to join in this crucial endeavor to uphold professional standards and ensure the appointment of qualified librarians to leadership positions within libraries.

As the Nigerian Library Association gears up for its pivotal conference in Port Harcourt, the eyes of the nation are on its stakeholders, awaiting meaningful change that will reshape the future of libraries in Nigeria. With a comprehensive agenda and a firm call to action, the NLA is poised to spearhead a transformation in the library and information sector, promising a brighter, more inclusive future for all Nigerians.

______
-John Alonge
Reporting for 
Optimistic Scholar 
www.optimisticscholar.com      ||     www.optimisticservice.nl

 

Fully Funded Scholarship for MSc in Development Policy and Politics at University of Birmingham for African Students

The University of Birmingham is excited to announce a fully funded scholarship opportunity for African students interested in pursuing an MSc in Development Policy and Politics. This prestigious scholarship aims to support outstanding students by covering all necessary expenses to ensure a focused and enriching academic experience.

Included in the scholarship are:

1. The complete waiver of tuition fees for the duration of the course.

2. Round-trip airfare to the United Kingdom, along with visa expenses.

3. A generous monthly stipend of £950 for 18 months to cover living expenses.

4. An initial arrival allowance of £950 to assist with settling in the UK.

Interested candidates are encouraged to review the eligibility criteria and program details on the University of Birmingham's website. It's a unique opportunity to engage in a comprehensive study program at a world-renowned institution, facilitated by the financial support of this scholarship.

The deadline for applications is 8 April 2024. Potential applicants are advised to apply well in advance to ensure their submissions are considered. For more information and to check if you meet the eligibility requirements, please visit: [University of Birmingham - MSc in Development Policy and Politics](https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government/departments/international-development/courses/mo-ibrahim).

Call for Projects: Transforming SRHR in Sub-Saharan Africa with IDRC Funding Initiative

The International Development Research Centre (IDRC) and partners have launched a call for interest for projects enhancing sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) in sub-Saharan Africa, with a funding pool of up to CAD 19.1 million. This initiative seeks to fund up to 16 research teams, with grants up to CAD 1.2 million each, over three years to undertake gender-transformative and equitable SRHR research.

Projects should focus on improving access to family planning, safe abortion, adolescent SRHR services, combating sexual and gender-based violence, or strengthening SRHR advocacy. Eligible teams must include a mix of African and Canadian researchers and local decision-makers.

The application begins with a Letter of Interest due by May 13, 2024. 

Successful applicants will then be invited to submit a full proposal. An informational webinar is scheduled for March 26, 2024, with registration closing the previous day.

For more details and to apply, visit the initiative's [call page](https://idrc-crdi.ca/en/funding/call-letters-interest-addressing-neglected-areas-sexual-and-reproductive-health-and-rights). 

This is an opportunity for those committed to advancing SRHR in Africa to make a significant impact.

Library Acquisitions and Methods

  Acquisition Process for Purchased Books

The process for acquiring purchased books involves several key steps to ensure the library's collection remains current, relevant, and void of duplicates. These steps include:

1. Collation: Gathering and organizing book orders and requests from various sources to create a comprehensive list of desired acquisitions.

  2. Carding: Documenting the collated items systematically for tracking and reference purposes.

 3. Bibliographic Verification: This critical step involves confirming the bibliographic details of selected items, such as author, title, and publication information. It ensures that the items have not been previously ordered or are not already part of the collection or in the process of being added.

 4. Order Preparation: Typing and preparing the order documents for the selected books.

 5. Order Dispatch Sending the completed orders to publishers, vendors, or other sources.

 6.  Receiving Books: Upon arrival, books are received and accounted for.

 7. Consignment Check: The received consignment is meticulously checked against the order to ensure completeness and accuracy.

 8. Processing: This includes stamping, accessioning, and any other necessary steps to integrate the books into the library's collection.

  Methods of Library Acquisition

Libraries employ various methods to enrich their collections, each with its own set of practices and considerations:

 1. Purchase: The primary method for acquiring library materials, involving direct purchases from publishers, authors, vendors, or bookshops. This method accounts for the majority of library acquisitions.

 2. Gifts and Donations: Libraries often receive materials as gifts or donations from individuals, institutions, or organizations. While beneficial, it's crucial for libraries to evaluate such contributions to ensure relevance and avoid potential encumbrances.

 3. Legal Deposit: Certain libraries, often national libraries, receive copies of all or a significant portion of books published within their jurisdiction, as mandated by legal deposit legislation.

 4. Internal Generation: Especially in educational libraries, materials such as posters, drawings, and educational models can be created in-house to support specific instructional needs.

 5. Collaborative Acquisitions: Through inter-library cooperation, networking, or consortium building, libraries can access or share resources, particularly costly ones like electronic databases, to enhance their collections.

 6. Exchange: Libraries may exchange publications with other institutions that have similar interests, such as annual reports or lecture copies.

 7. Digital Downloads Acquiring digital materials through downloads from the internet, adhering to copyright laws and agreements.

 8. Bequests: Libraries may inherit materials through wills or bequests, adding unique items to their collections.

 Case Study Task

Consider the scenario where Macmillan Publishers is distributing free books to select libraries, including Hallmark Library, as part of their 20-year publishing anniversary. Discuss which acquisition method this scenario exemplifies and the considerations a library should make when accepting such materials.

- Dr Ayodele John Alonge  

Mastering the Art of Acquisition in Library and Information Centres

Mastering the Art of Acquisition in Library and Information Centres 

- by Dr Ayodele John Alonge

  Introduction to the Paradigm of Acquisition in Modern Libraries

 Today, we delve into the meaning world of acquisition within the sphere of library and information science, an area of paramount importance for advanced students like yourselves, pursuing or holding master's degrees in this field. The acquisition isn't merely a transactional process; it is the cornerstone of strategic library management, ensuring collections are dynamic, relevant, and tailored to meet the evolving needs of the community they serve.

 Conceptualizing Acquisition in the Library Ecosystem

 The acquisition is the bloodstream of a library, facilitating the inflow of information resources and thereby enabling libraries to fulfill their mission. This process transcends the simple act of purchasing or obtaining materials; it involves a strategic approach to deciding what becomes part of the library's collection based on its objectives, the needs of its users, and the overarching vision for its growth.

 Strategic Responsibilities Within Acquisition Management

 The Acquisition Department, the nucleus of this process, undertakes a gamut of responsibilities:

 

1. **Tool Management**: Maintaining essential tools such as bibliographies and publisher catalogues, which are critical for informed decision-making in the acquisition process.

2. **Order File Maintenance**: Keeping an accurate and organized record of orders to prevent duplications and ensure efficient tracking of acquisitions.

3. **Bibliographical Due Diligence**: Conducting thorough pre-order searches to verify bibliographic details, thereby ensuring that the library only acquires materials that align with its collection and have not been previously ordered or already exist within the collection.

4. **Method Selection**: Choosing the most appropriate acquisition methods, whether through purchase, donation, or other means, to optimize the library's budget and collection development strategy.

5. **Resource Reception**: Overseeing the arrival of new resources, ensuring they meet the specified criteria and are in good condition.

6. **Financial Oversight**: Approving invoices to ensure that expenditures align with the budget and financial policies of the library.

7. **Accessioning**: Integrating new books into the library's collection in a manner that is organized and accessible to users.

 

 The Critical Role of Budgeting in Acquisition

 

The acquisition budget is the blueprint that guides the library's investment in new resources. It is a comprehensive financial plan that accounts for:

 

- The maintenance and preservation of existing resources.

- The projected growth of the collection to accommodate new subjects, technologies, and user needs.

- The introduction of new programs or services that necessitate additional resources.

 

This budget is pivotal in aligning the library's strategic goals with its financial resources, ensuring sustainable collection development.

 

Acquisition Procedures: From Ideation to Integration

 The journey of a book from selection to shelving is intricate:

 1. **Collation**: Gathering requests and recommendations from library stakeholders.

2. **Carding**: Organizing these requests for further action.

3. **Verification**: Conducting bibliographic searches to confirm details and avoid redundancies.

4. **Ordering**: Formalizing the request into an order.

5. **Dispatching**: Sending the order to the publisher or supplier.

6. **Receiving**: Accepting delivery of the books.

7. **Quality Control**: Checking the consignment for accuracy and condition.

8. **Processing**: Stamping, cataloging, and preparing the book for the shelf.

 

#### Exploring the Multifaceted Methods of Acquisition

 

Beyond purchasing, libraries employ a variety of methods to enrich their collections:

 - **Gifts and Donations**: Navigating the complexities of unsolicited and solicited materials to enhance the collection thoughtfully.

- **Legal Deposit**: Leveraging statutory deposits as a means of acquisition, particularly in national and designated libraries.

- **Internal Generation**: Utilizing the library's resources to create unique materials, particularly in educational settings.

- **Collaboration and Networking**: Engaging in inter-library loans, consortia, and partnerships to extend the reach of the library's collection without incurring significant costs.

- **Exchanges**: Participating in reciprocal agreements to acquire materials that support the library's mission.

 Real-World Application: Analyzing a Case Study

 Consider the scenario where Macmillan Publishers distributes free books to libraries, including Hallmark Library, as part of their 20th-anniversary celebration. This scenario exemplifies acquisition through gifts and donations, highlighting the strategic considerations libraries must weigh when accepting such materials to ensure they align with the collection's focus and quality standards.

 #### Concluding Reflections and Forward-Looking Perspectives

 As we conclude, it's evident that the acquisition is a sophisticated blend of art and science, requiring a deep understanding of library science, strategic planning, and fiscal management. The future of acquisition, particularly in the digital age, promises even greater complexity and opportunity, challenging us to rethink traditional models and embrace innovative approaches to collection development.

Mandela Rhodes Scholarship: Your Launchpad to Leadership

**Mandela Rhodes Scholarship: Your Launchpad to Leadership**

Hey, aspiring leaders! Ready to follow Mandela's legacy and make a real impact? The Mandela Rhodes Scholarship is more than a financial grant; it's a journey of personal and leadership growth for young Africans. 

**Transform and Lead**

It's not just about academics; it's about evolving personally and embracing Mandela's vision of leadership and change through immersive workshops.

**Full Financial Support**

Worry less about finances and focus more on your mission. Tuition, accommodation, meals, and travel to South Africa are all on us.

**Join the Legacy**

Eager to be the change? Start your Mandela Rhodes journey now. Apply here and unlock a future of possibilities: Apply Here

Shape the Future of Health and Development: Apply for the 2025 CARTA PhD Fellowship

 Join the 2025 CARTA PhD Fellowship Program

 Deadline is April 15, 2024.

Are you ready to embark on a transformative journey that will shape the future of health and development research in Africa? The Consortium for Advanced Research Training in Africa (CARTA) is thrilled to announce the opening of applications for its 2025 PhD Fellowship program, designed for visionary scholars ready to make a significant impact.

CARTA is a vibrant partnership woven together by eight leading African universities, four innovative African research institutes, and a constellation of eight international partners. Our core mission? To fortify the research capabilities of African institutions, propelling them to the forefront of global science, particularly in tackling the myriad health and development challenges confronting the continent.

This invitation extends to bright, dedicated individuals eager to spearhead change within their academic and research landscapes. The CARTA PhD Fellowship is more than just a scholarship; it's a gateway to pioneering a robust academic and research career in public and population health. Our unique doctoral training program is crafted to address the critical shortage of high-caliber academics in Africa, nurturing the next cadre of leaders who will drive their institutions to new heights of excellence and influence.

Why choose CARTA for your PhD journey? Because here, you're not just earning a degree. You're being groomed to become a beacon of knowledge and innovation in your field, poised to enhance the capacity of your home institution. Through this fellowship, you'll join a network of passionate scholars committed to making a tangible difference in public and population health across Africa.

Mark your calendar: the application deadline is April 15, 2024. Don't miss this unparalleled opportunity to contribute to shaping the future of African research and development. Your journey towards becoming a key player in the academic and research sphere starts with CARTA. Apply now, and be part of molding a brighter, healthier future for Africa and beyond.

How to apply https://cartafrica.org/call-for-applications-carta-phd-fellowships-2025/

A Journey of Archival Enlightenment: My Experience With the Joan van Albada Archivist Training Fund

A Journey of Archival Enlightenment: My Experience With the Joan van Albada Archivist Training Fund 

- Dr Ayodele John Alonge

This is the narrative of my transforming experience with the Joan van Albada Archivist Training Fund (JAATF), which took me from the dynamic academic corridors of the University of Ibadan in Nigeria to the intellectual realms of the University of Amsterdam and the University of Groningen in the Netherlands.

 

Starting on the Journey

My academic and professional interests have always been profoundly based in Library and Archives Archvial . My career has been driven by a desire to combine our field's old traditions with the dynamic possibilities of current technology. However, the path to achieving this integration was not without challenges, especially due to limited chances for advanced archive studies in Nigeria.

The JAATF, a visionary effort founded with significant contributions from Joan van Albada and his partner, was a watershed moment. This grant is more than just a scholarship; it is a bridge to global knowledge, meant to help archivists from underrepresented locations gain international recognition. Being chosen for this programme was more than just an honour; it was a rallying cry to explore the unexplored waters of archival science and technology.

The Academic Journey in the Netherlands

My academic experience at the University of Amsterdam was nothing short of revelatory. Prof. Charles Jeurgens' challenging programme challenged my preconceptions and extended my horizons. Courses like digital curation and recordkeeping informatics were more than just lectures; they were incubators for critical thinking and creativity. They prompted me to confront the inherent prejudices of established archival institutions, as well as to consider archives' role in a just and inclusive society.


This intellectual awakening was accompanied by a hands-on internship at the University of Groningen, where I was welcomed into a community of scholars and practitioners committed to the promotion of archival science. The supportive community and guidance I received in this thriving academic environment greatly influenced my work as a researcher and practitioner.

Redefining Archival Practices: A Research Journey

The research project at the University of Groningen Library, which focused on the digitization and preservation of historical maps, was a watershed moment in my journey. This project was more than just an academic exercise; it was an investigation into how these cartographic treasures, which capture the geographical imaginations and historical narratives of bygone times, may be reinterpreted and revitalised for the digital age.

The initiative investigated the technological, ethical, and epistemological implications of digitization. It entailed a detailed analysis of user involvement, an assessment of digital preservation issues, and a critical examination of maps' expressive roles throughout history. The findings of this study highlighted digitization's transformative potential in making historical maps more accessible, engaging, and relevant to current audiences.

Looking Forward: A Vision for the Future

As I reflect on this incredible experience, I feel a strong sense of purpose and possibility. The JAATF has provided me with a unique viewpoint and a diversified toolkit to help shape archive practices in Nigeria and beyond.

My goal is to spark a renaissance in our field—a movement that promotes novel archival approaches, encourages cross-disciplinary collaboration, and pushes for the democratisation of historical knowledge. I am committed to sharing my learnings from this journey with my peers, students, and the global archival community, in the hopes that we may work together to create an archival landscape that is thoughtful, inclusive, and forward-thinking.