The City of Cape Town’s library and information services welcomed 23 new emerging library leaders as part of the celebrations for South African Librarians Day.
Now in its fifth year, the programme has empowered 80 city librarians, helping them build the leadership skills and practical tools needed to strengthen public library services, according to a media release.
The group of librarians completed the Strengthening Innovative Library Leaders (SILL) training programme.
Training sessions
Up to now, the programme has empowered 80 librarians, equipping them to develop their leadership potential and advance their professional journeys, according to the media release.
Training sessions took place during May and June and concluded with the official graduation ceremony to coincide with South African Librarians Day on 10 July.
“I want to applaud our librarians for their commitment to continuous learning and professional development, in turn deepening their impact on the communities they serve,” said Francine Higham, the City’s Mayco member for community services and health.
“At a time of rapidly changing digital landscapes, their commitment to learning new skills is highly commendable. By expanding their own expertise, they ensure that our library users have access to the highest standard of guidance and information literacy. Thank you for the vital role you play,” Higham said.
Future library leaders
The programme was developed by the Mortenson Center for International Library Programmes at the University of Illinois Library, with support from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
It is designed for professional librarians currently working within library and information services (LIS) and serves as foundational leadership training, providing participants with the skills, tools and confidence needed to grow as future library leaders.
This included team interactions, practical experience in identifying problems, understanding user needs, generating innovative ideas, adapting their communication approach, planning, implementing, adapting, and reporting on library activities and effective networking skills, according to the media release.
Success story
“A standout success story is that of Sipho Fako from the Wynberg Library, who embraced the challenge of professional growth by volunteering to present a lightning talk at the National Library and Information Association of South Africa (LIASA) Conference in October this year. This reflects the confidence and leadership potential that the SILL programme seeks to cultivate,” Higham said.
“Another graduate is Randall Rousseau, a general librarian at Valhalla Park Library, who is exploring innovative ways of using technology, especially artificial intelligence, to enhance library services, improve operational efficiency and expand learning opportunities for patrons. His project has helped make library services more innovative, responsive and relevant to community needs,” she said.
Lifelong learning
“The theme for the graduation, Future-Fit Librarians, recognises their commitment to lifelong learning, innovation and leadership. With SILL, the City can further equip our librarians to lead, adapt and respond to the needs of their communities,” Higham said.
The graduating librarians (libraries in brackets) are: Amy Rudolph (Claremont), Arlene Keown (Huguenot), Bantu Senti (Nazeema Isaacs), Boniswa Notiki (Bothasig), Elmarie Waltman (Brackenfell), Mario Le Fleur (Westfleur), Maymuna Roomaney (Retreat), Mbali Buzugbe (Somerset West), Nadine Henry (Heideveld), Nathiera Crombie (Colin Eglin), Nicholas F Stallenberg (Somerset West), Nosipho Maxalisa (Westridge), Nqabisa Mnyama (Gugulethu), Nuhaa Portland (Rondebosch), Patricia April (Bonteheuwel), Phumza Mbinidi (Gordon’s Bay), Randall Rosseau (Valhalla Park), Sipho Fako (Wynberg), Thandiwe Kekela (Central), Yonela Masiko (Masakhane), Yumna Levy (Rylands), Yuri Thompson (Bishop Lavis) and Vanashree Reddy (Durbanville).
ALSO READ: City libraries open study spaces to help matrics prepare for exams
