July 2024

4 Reasons why we’re Organizing Library Automation Masterclass

4 Reasons why we’re Organizing Library Automation Masterclass

Library users nowadays seem to be very impatient. They are eager get their information needs met immediately and in formats that are easy for them, sometimes they do not even want human interaction. But in many libraries today, the systems in place are outdated, slow, and frustrating to navigate. Librarians, despite their dedication and expertise, struggle with the inefficiencies of manual processes and systems. This scenario is all too common in many libraries that have not yet embraced the full potential of automation and digital transformation. As the demand for IT inclined librarians increases, there’s an urgent need for upskilling in library automation to meet the evolving needs of our digital age. Yes! There are evolving needs and only Upskilled Librarians can meet those needs.

Recognizing these challenges and opportunities, the Upskill and Connect Village recommends a 3-Day Library Automation Masterclass (LAM), a transformative session designed to empower librarians, library educators and students with the skills and knowledge to automate library operations and sustain innovations.

Why are we organizing this masterclass? Four reasons:

1. To Raise Emerging Masters of Automation and Innovation. Our primary goal is to equip librarians with skills in customizing and managing both Open Source and Proprietary Integrated Library Management Systems (ILMS). This training will not only improve daily workflows but also position librarians as leaders in automation and innovation within their institutions. When others are talking about automation in libraries, after attending this programme, you would be able to advice and lend your voice as an emerging master of automation and innovation.

2. To Provide Hands-On Experience. Grammar alone is not enough. The masterclass promises to offer practical approach in Facilitators delivery on the various ILMS modules, including patron management and cataloguing. Participants will learn how to leverage reporting tools for data-driven decisions, enhancing both staff and user experiences. Through the interactive session in Day 3, participants will gain real insights and strategies that can be immediately applied to their libraries.

3. To Shed Light on Innovative Library Services and Strategies. We also plan to engage participants and industry experts in discussions on best practices in automating library process, exploring innovative library services and strategies that can transform their libraries. Hopefully, this will empower participants to adopt new technologies and methods, ensuring that their libraries remain relevant and effective in this digital age.

4. To Provide Insights for Starting a Profitable Career in Automation. The masterclass will target career development, offering useful tips for those looking to start a career in providing library solutions. By gaining expertise in automation and receiving a Certificate of Achievement, we believe participants’ professional credentials will be enhanced and doors will be opened to new opportunities.

The Library Automation Masterclass is more than just a training session; it’s an opportunity to grow professionally and innovate. Don’t miss this opportunity. Learn more about the Masterclass and Register now! The Session is scheduled to hold from 26^th July – 28^th July, 2024 (Next Week).

IF YOU ARE READING THIS AFTER THE MASTERCLASS HAS BEEN HELD, DONT WORRY, IT IS NOT TOO LATE. CALL 2347030413987.

INSIGHTS FROM THE RECENTLY RELEASED 2023 PLA TECHNOLOGY SURVEY

It is very important for libraries to remain at the forefront of ensuring access to information and promoting digital literacy within their communities. While there is evidence of consistent development of libraries, especially in developed parts of the world, there is need for libraries of all types and all around the world to understand that the digital landscape is continuously evolving, hence, Libraries and professionals must adapt and innovate if they are to efficiently meet the needs of their patrons. The 2023 Public Library Technology Survey, recently published by the Public Library Association (PLA), offers some very useful insights that can guide Nigerian libraries in enhancing their services and leveraging technology effectively.

“The annual surveys since 2020 have followed a rotating series of topics—Technology, Staff, and Services for Strong Communities. The results are published each summer in a free report (available below) and in PLA’s data tool, Benchmark: Library Metrics and Trends.”

Download the 2023 Public Library Technology Survey here

Key Findings of the PLA Survey

The survey reveals significant trends and data on how public libraries in the United States of America are leveraging technology to serve their patrons. Here are some of the highlights:

1. Almost half of the libraries (46.9%) now offer internet hotspots for checkout, marking an increase of 14.4% from 2020.
2. About a quarter of libraries (24.6%) provide digital media production equipment, and over one-third (39.5%) have maker production equipment.
3. A staggering 95.3% of public libraries offer some form of digital literacy training.
4. Nearly 30% of libraries have implemented digital navigator programs, which provide personalized assistance to patrons in navigating digital resources and technology.
5. Almost one in five libraries (19.7%) are involved in digital equity or inclusion coalitions at the local, state, or regional level.
6. An overwhelming 95% of libraries offer e-books and/or e-audiobooks, and 57.5% provide streaming and downloadable media. However, subscription costs or payment terms remain the top challenge in offering digital content, affecting 85.7% of libraries.

Some Implications for Nigerian Libraries

The insights from PLA survey are not only relevant for U.S. libraries but contains important lessons for libraries in developing countries, including Nigeria. Some areas we can take examples from and leverage these findings to enhance our services are:

1. In the aspect of offering internet hotspots. A lot of researchers/students recently suffer high cost or frustrating access to stable internet connection. This service can significantly increase internet access in our communities, especially in underserved areas.
2. At a particular time in Nigeria research papers on Makerspaces were trending, but sometimes, these papers just end up as written texts. By providing digital media production and maker equipment, libraries can support creative and educational initiatives, which will go a long way to empower library users to develop new skills and engage in innovative projects.
3. We should aim to provide a range of training options, from formal classes to informal assistance, from Physical workshops to Webinars. Upskilling is never too much. We must, as Librarians ensure that we, ourselves and our library users can improve their digital skills.
4. Efforts towards advocating for digital equity or policies and initiatives that promote digital inclusion should be increased.
5. Funding seem to be a major issue in many libraries, even in the US. However, with insights from the Report, support and grant seeking (locally and internationally) may help us overcome financial barriers.

Finally, the Nigerian Library Association (NLA) and Librarians’ Registration Council of Nigeria (LRCN) should consider conducting regular technology surveys similar to those by the PLA and ALA. These surveys would provide crucial data on the state of technology in Nigerian libraries, helping us to understand our needs better and advocate for necessary resources and policy changes.

Call to Action

In light of these findings, librarians should actually familiarize themselves with these trends and implement relevant strategies in their libraries. By doing so, we would be able to improve our services, bridge the digital divide, and support the educational and informational needs of our users.

Additionally, local data will go a long way in helping us understand the development and state of technology in Nigerian libraries, especially in the area of decision-making and advocacy.

As we consider adopting these new strategies, it’s important for to stay ahead by upskilling and adapting to new technologies, because there’s even more developments to come. Are you aware that the Early Bird registration period for our upcoming Library Automation Masterclass (LAM) ended since June 30th? LAM is targeted at librarians aspiring to master library automation systems, innovate library services, and embark on profitable careers in library automation. This intensive session will cover everything from metadata management to integrated library systems (ILS) like Koha, NewGenLib, etc. providing hands-on training and expert guidance. Don’t miss this opportunity to transform your library services and career— learn more, REGISTER NOW,, and join us in this movement.

These recommendations are worth implementing, they can actually help our libraries in Africa to continue to be centers of learning, creativity, and digital inclusion.

Sources:

https://www.ala.org/pla/data/plasurveys

https://www.ala.org/news/2024/07/new-public-library-technology-survey-report-details-digital-equity-roles

https://www.ala.org/sites/default/files/2024-07/PLA_Tech_Survey_Report_2024.pdf

New Principles for Digital Book Management in Libraries

New Principles for Digital Book Management in Libraries

As custodians of knowledge, we have always been at the forefront of ensuring access to information for our library patrons. As digital resources continue to evolve, the principles of ownership and rights have often been a subject of debate and uncertainty amongst librarians, writes and publishers. The recently released “Principles on Library Ownership of Digital Books” by Library Futures bring some clarity to this vital aspect of library resource management, and I hope you find it helpful:

Understanding the New Principles

The principles aim to establish a foundation of trust between publishers and libraries, allowing libraries to purchase and own permanent copies of digital books, which actually, is a great idea, because this will enable our libraries build and maintain large digital collections that can serve a wide range of users for generations.

Key Highlights of the Principles:

1. Purchase and Maintenance: Libraries can purchase digital books and maintain possession, either directly or through a third-party host. This ensures that libraries have the autonomy to curate their collections without relying solely on publishers.
2. Security Measures: Libraries must employ reasonable industry-standard security measures to prevent unauthorized access and ensure the digital books remain unaltered. This includes using best practices for digital preservation to protect against decay and corruption.
3. Access and Format Compatibility: To keep digital collections accessible, libraries should update file formats as necessary to remain compatible with contemporary equipment. This forward-thinking approach ensures that our collections do not become obsolete.
4. Lending and Interlibrary Loan: Libraries can lend digital books, including through interlibrary loan, while maintaining one-reader-per-copy lending. This respects the balance between accessibility and copyright compliance.
5. Transfer and Deaccession: Libraries are allowed to transfer digital books within their systems or to third-party providers while ensuring secure transfers and permanent deletion when deaccessioning.
6. Privacy Protection: Protecting reader privacy is a core value. Libraries must follow applicable laws and policies to safeguard patron data, ensuring that privacy is not compromised in digital transactions.

One thing that can deduced from the principles is that purchasing a digital book transfers the title of that particular copy to the library, similar to physical books, while the copyright remains with the rightsholder. And that makes the principles significant, especially for libraries in this part of the world, because many of us have faced challenges with copyright issues and what the best practices for sharing and managing e-books should be. With these guidelines hopefully, we now have a clearer understanding to be able to navigate these complexities, ensuring that we can build and maintain digital collections that serve our patrons effectively.

Adopting these principles in full or partly depending on our respective libraries will not only enhance our collections but also strengthen our role as guardians of knowledge in the digital age. Let’s take this opportunity to advocate for our rights to own and preserve digital books, ensuring that our libraries continue to be vibrant centers of learning and culture.

Call to Action

Here’s to encourage librarians, especially e-librarians to familiarize themselves with these principles and integrate them into their practices. By doing so, we can collectively enhance the accessibility and preservation of digital knowledge in the right way.

You can read the full post by Library Futures here.

As we adopt these new principles, it’s crucial to stay ahead by upskilling and adapting to new technologies. Are you aware that the Early Bird registration period for our upcoming Library Automation Masterclass (LAM) ended yesterday (30th June)? LAM is targeted at librarians aspiring to master library automation systems, innovate library services, and embark on profitable careers in library automation. This intensive session will cover everything from metadata management to integrated library systems (ILS) like Koha, providing hands-on training and expert guidance. Don’t miss this opportunity to transform your library services and career—learn more, REGISTER NOW, and join us in this movement.

What is the Upskill & Connect Village all about?

When we think about the busyness of ‘city life’ (work, ceremonies, appointments, family, school and activities we engage in daily life), it often drowns out the quiet call for self-improvement. As Stephen Covey emphasizes in his book The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, “Sharpen the Saw” is essential for personal renewal.

JOIN The Upskill & Connect Village,

founded by Sylvester Ebhonu (The Digital Librarian), is a an inclusive online community operating through a dynamic WhatsApp group and other digital platforms. This metaphorical village serves as a sanctuary for professionals, students, and lifelong learners from all walks of life, seeking to escape the distractions of life in the city and once in a while, focus on their personal and career development, without the constant interruptions and noise that often accompany ‘city living’. This intentional seclusion is not just about getting away—it’s about coming together in a meaningful way to UPSKILL (Learn, Unlearn and Relearn), especially in the area of digital and information literacy skills.

Our Vision is to be one of the leading virtual communities that inspires innovation, growth and meaningful connections, enabling members to thrive in their personal and professional lives while contributing to the advancement of their respective fields.

Not just an Online Community

If the Upskill & Connect Village is not just than just an ‘online place’, what then is it?  It is a thriving community where knowledge is shared, connections are made, and growth is encouraged. At the Village, you are not alone in your journey. We’re surrounded by like-minded individuals who really are committed to also upskilling, collaborating, and achieving both collective and individual goals. That’s the Village Life. As expected of every great initiative, there are great chiefs – effective team that work tirelessly to ensure that members are empowered to learn, grow and connect. Life in the Upskill & Connect Village offers various opportunities that members can participate in. From purpose-driven conversations to virtual workshops/webinars, to private coaching sessions, technical support and mentorship, every corner, every activity of the community is intended to help you succeed.

The impact of the Upskill & Connect Village on members have been quite remarkable. Many have found that participating in our community has led to significant personal and professional growth, some have discovered new passions, enhanced their work or research productivity and other have built lasting professional connections. For us, it’s actually not just about individual success but about lifting each other up and growing together. Feedback from our participants

Our Code of Conduct

To maintain the integrity and spirit of our community, we want only purpose-driven members and we have also, a simple yet powerful code of conduct:

• Be Active: Your participation enriches the community.
• Be Clear: Communicate effectively and thoughtfully.
• Be Courteous and Show Mutual Respect: Every member deserves to feel valued and heard.
• No Peacocking, Spamming, or Distribution of Unrelated and Controversial Messages: Stay focused on our shared goals.
• Personal Posts Require Admin Approval: Ensure content aligns with our community’s objectives.
• Inappropriate comments or behavior may result in removal, as we strive to maintain a positive and productive environment for all.

Join Us

If you read up to this point, Congratulations on taking the first step towards a better future with the Upskill & Connect Village. Your journey to carving a niche for yourself while influencing lives begins here. Together, we can achieve greatness, not just for ourselves, but for our entire community.

Once in a while, we should actually do this – taking a break from work, from the busyness of ‘city life’ to UPSKILL (Learn, Unlearn and Relearn).

Welcome to the Upskill & Connect Village.

LIBRARIAN SPOTLIGHT: DR. FATIMAH JIBRIL ABDULDAYAN RECOGNIZED AS LIBRARIAN OF THE MONTH FOR MAY

Report By: Oluwaseyi Bamidele

The Librarian Spotlight few weeks ago hit a home run again! This month’s edition, like every other, seeks to shine a light (literally) on the influence of exceptional librarians who’ve carried the librarian title as gold badges of honor and made excellent contributions to the field of librarianship. This programme highlights their expertise, influence and admirable drive through monthly interview sessions on YouTube and Facebook aiming to inspire and motivate upcoming LIS practitioners, students and professionals alike whilst giving a sense of direction to libraries looking to embrace innovation.

May 11th, 2024 marked the day of the event for May’s edition. In our tradition of recognition and commendation, we had the honor of presenting Dr Fatimah Jibril Abduldayan as the Librarian of the Month for May 2024! She is a Senior Lecturer at Federal University of Technology (FUT), Minna, and currently the chairperson of the Nigerian Library Association (NLA), Niger State Chapter.

 INTERVIEW SESSION

Dr. Abduldayan, originally has been imbibed with the drive for excellence in all endeavours by her father, and as such, she’s learnt to give herself no excuse to not “go for it”. She describes herself as a life-long learner who takes up the challenge of studying and putting her best into whatever interests her. She gives very huge recognition to her ‘support system’ consisting her parents, siblings, extended family, husband and colleagues who’ve helped all the way to what heights she’s attained. Believing adequately in team work, Dr Abduldayan also gives credit to her team, acknowledging very well that her achievements have and will continue to be fueled by support from them.

Dr. Abduldayan passionately portrays the perks of the information scientist and perceives formal recognition of library professionals as a motivation to do more.

Approaching the interview proper, she expressed her advocacy for promotion and sustenance of open access to knowledge and information all over the net and even those that may exist in physical forms. She explains that this step will steadily break the digital divide and move the knowledge frontier forward by removing financial and technological barriers that lock knowledge away.

In her words; “open is the future of research”.

Dr. Fatimah Abduldayan in her quest for promoting readership, active librarianship and librarians’ visibility in the Niger State Chapter emphasizes the importance of partnership and teamwork from the local to international levels whilst also utilizing the media and encouraging librarians all over to do the same. She also advocates for attention to be given to the mass of data generated in our locales and encourages research data management among librarians.

Dr Fatimah also speaks to muslim females in LIS and in leadership positions all over, explaining in her interview that these traits don’t play her down or produce challenges because competence and teamwork nullifies the concern of gender or religion.

From the viewers’ perspective, she is a true master of the LIS craft who possesses outstanding leadership skills.

LIBRARIAN OF THE MONTH

To shine the spotlight on Dr Fatimah Abduldayan, a special guest in person of Prof. Jubril Alhassan was brought on set who presented the plaque and certificate of recognition. We celebrate with Dr Fatimah and her esteemed team that backs her up. We do hope this illuminates the library profession and encourages LIS practitioners all round to keep striving in their environment and make an impact wherever they are found.

We trust that this report encapsulates the details of the insightful interview for those who were unable to attend the live event.

WATCH THE REPLAY HERE:

We especially like to thank our sponsors – Libtech and Eemediba Limited, our readers, subscribers, guests and the Librarian Spotlight Evaluation Committee.

Calling People a Bot because ChatGPT sounds like them (AI-Ese)

Developments in AI tools like ChatGPT are beginning to influence not just our work, interractions productivity, but in the context of this article – our language and writing styles. Words and phrases such as “delve,” “landscape,” “revolutionize” and “realm,” often used by AI-generated content, are now being seen as indicators of AI involvement, particularly in regions like the US and Europe. Take a moment to carefully observe the changes in the findings of the chart below.

The chart provides a useful clue on how the word “delve” has been increasingly used over time.

Do you think this is a reliable way to detect AI-written text or it was just a ‘random chance’?

Do we need new tools to detect AI-generated content?

Are we now bots because AI sounds like us?

How to spot AI-Generated Content.

In Nigeria, for example, the word “delve” is commonly used and not assumed to be a ‘clic

hé’  word. I’ve heard students a couple of times use the word during school debates, and also many scholars use the term to introduce their topics. This raises concerns about the reliability of using such words as markers for AI-generated content, no wonder Nigerians tackle American author for claiming ‘delve’ is only used by ChatGPT.

This discrepancy highlights the need for a more in-depth approach when identifying AI-generated content, considering regional linguistic norms. The findings from Paul Grahams’s research calls for deeper engagement from academics, AI enthusiasts, and librarians to:

• Start engaging in conversations about Academic Integrity because from such conversations, different opinions on how to identify AI-generated content and need for policies in place to check the development, sustainable and ethical use of AI. Such conversations can be raised in Faculty Board Meetings, Management Meetings, Webinars/Conferences, etc.
• Put in place, AI Literacy programmes to teach the public how not to use generative AI tools and other valuable information.
• Start developing and training AI models to solve our peculiar challenges. The biases associated with generative AI tools are not likely to disappear soon, and local input can help mitigate these issues.

To expand your knowledge on this topic, delve into this ‘table-shaking article’ on The Guardian website. Here, you’ll discover other common words that, if found in your writing, may suggest to readers that you have used ChatGPT. The article also provides insights into how these AI models are trained, the role Africans play in testing them, and the content generated by AI. It’s a must-read for anyone interested in understanding better, the impact of AI on our language and work towards responsible and ethical use of these powerful tools.

Check out the article here: https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2024/apr/16/techscape-ai-gadgest-humane-ai-pin-chatgpt

Download my Co-Authored E-Book Here:  Prescribed AI/Digital Tools for Work, Research and Productivity?

Bill Gates Serving up some Book Recommendations

Bill Gates updated his profile photo today, but that usually shouldn’t be a big deal, what was striking about the photo was the way he was holding a tray with five books, much like a bartender serving drinks, with the caption, “I’m serving up some recommendations for books and TV series to enjoy this summer.” Gates is a prominent figure not just in technology and philanthropy but also as an avid reader and it seems to me like this is one common character of successful people worth copying – Successful People Read. This gesture is similar to what Oprah Winfrey does with her Book Club. These simple acts inspire people to discover new reads.

Bill Gates’ recommendations aren’t just about reading, he also recommends TV series to watch; The books and TV series he recommends all have an unintentional theme connecting them— all touching on the idea of service to others.

Whether you’re a book lover or not, there are many ways to acquire knowledge and stay curious. I recommend the following:

1. Download Audiobooks or Podcasts: Its perfect Gen-Zs and busy executives who find it hard to sit down with a book. Audiobooks allow you to enjoy stories and information on the go. They’re also great for workouts, or just relaxing at home.

2. Watch Educational Videos: Platforms like YouTube and educational websites offer a wide range of videos on almost any topic you can imagine. For me, TED Talks forms a strong foundation for most of the things I know. There are also instructional videos online, the beauty is on YouTube, which I call the ‘the poor man’s university’ there’s something for every learner.

3. Attend Workshops/Webinars: They are also great for those who prefer interactive learning environments. Workshops and webinars provide hands-on experiences and direct access to experts, making it easy to acquire new knowledge and skills.

Now, here’s a closer look at what Gates is recommending and why these picks might just be the perfect addition to your reading list:

1. The Women, by Kristin Hannah: This novel tells the story of a U.S. Army nurse in the Vietnam War. Kristin Hannah highlights the sacrifices and struggles of these brave women, offering a historical perspective and showcasing their resilience.

2. Infectious Generosity, by Chris Anderson: Chris Anderson explores how the internet can amplify generosity. This book guides individuals, businesses, and governments on fostering a culture of giving, beyond just monetary donations.

3. Slow Horses: For spy thriller fans, “S low Horses” is a must-watch. This British TV series features undercover agents in Slough House—a place for those who have made serious mistakes but haven’t been fired. It promises intricate plots and complex characters.

4. Brave New Words, by Sal Khan: Sal Khan provides a visionary look at how AI can revolutionize education. He argues that AI will enhance both student outcomes and teacher experiences, making quality education accessible to all.

5. How to Know a Person, by David Brooks: David Brooks’ latest book delves into the art of understanding others through effective communication. He offers practical tips for “loud listening,” helping people feel heard and valued, fostering deeper connections.

What’s  my Personal Pick?
Number 5 – ‘How to Know a Person’. I’m particularly drawn to the title and brief summary of the book. As someone deeply interested in AI/digital literacy and professional branding, I find the author’s insights on conversational and social skills invaluable. His concept of “loud listening” resonates with my belief in the importance of making others feel heard and valued, both in personal and professional interactions. I’d love to get a copy of the book to read and also share with my community @ the Upskill and Connect Village.

Quest for knowledge is indeed a lifelong journey. Whether through books, TV series, audiobooks, videos or other mediums like webinars, there’s always something new to learn and discover. By embracing different ways of learning, we can continuously refresh our minds, stay curious, and nurture a more informed perspective on the world.

Here’s a quote by John Wooden I usually use at the end of my training sessions: –

“It’s what you learn after you know it all that counts.”

Bar Chart of what new knowledge can do to you sometimes

In my case, after some learning experiences, I am humbled, updated and feel like I know nothing… What about you? What does reading/learning do to you?

RECOMMEND A FREE AI TOOL FOR CREATING POWERPOINT PRESENTATIONS

Are you experiencing a tough time creating PowerPoint presentations?

Creating engaging and professional PowerPoint presentations can often be a challenging and time-consuming task. Whether you’re in the academic or business sector, juggling multiple responsibilities and striving for perfection, the pressure to deliver visually appealing slides that captures the ‘power-points’ in your manuscript can be very overwhelming sometimes.

Do you usually seek assistance or pay someone to create slides for your presentation?

If you also find yourself frequently seeking help or paying for professional services to create your presentations, you’re not alone. Many people face similar struggles too, which can lead to so much expenses and dependency on external assistance. However, there are lots of way to handle your presentation needs.

Let me introduce just one – GAMMA AI: A Free AI Tool for effortless presentations

GAMMA AI leverages advanced algorithms and machine learning to generate professional and visually appealing slides, webpages and documents saving you time and effort. With this tool, you can now focus on preparing impactful and engaging scripts/content – without getting bogged down by the technicalities of slide creation. You can try it today and let me know what difference you experience.

AI IMAGE: A realistic image of a black lecturer delivering a presentation in a modern classroom. The lecturer is using a laptop connected to a projector

Start by creating a Free Account and enjoy Free Powerpoint/Slide creation using The Digital Librarian’s exclusive invite link: https://gamma.app/signup?r=594ifrzzpivr4ta.

Dont forget to share your experience with me using this tool.

Download my Co-Authored E-Book Here:  Prescribed AI/Digital Tools for Work, Research and Productivity?

Application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Academic Research and Library Services

Sylvester Ebhonu: Resource Person at LISCON Webinar 2024

As I sit down in this busy restaurant (8:45pm on Monday) with my laptop to prompt ChatGPT to assist me with writing this blog post, I can’t help but reflect on the paths that have led me to this moment. This weekend, Saturday 18^th of May2024, marks not just another day on the calendar, but a significant milestone in my professional journey. I am both honored and excited to announce that I will be a facilitator at the prestigious LISCON Webinar, where I will lead a practical session on the Application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Academic Research and Library Services.

Ok…

(more…)

THE FUTURE OF LIBRARIES DEPENDS GREATLY ON THE CAPACITY OF LIBRARY AND INFORMATION PROFESSIONALS

AN OVERVIEW OF THE L.A.M.E INTERNATIONAL WORKSHOP

“As libraries seek to streamline their operations and adapt to the demands of the digital age, it has become evident that a significant number of librarians, including library students, do not have comprehensive knowledge or practical experience using Library Management Systems (LMS). It is against this backdrop that this International Workshop tagged: “Library Automation Made Easy (LAME) with ActiveShelf and Koha ILS” aims to bridge the gap by equipping participants with a foundational understanding of library automation and its potential to simplify and optimize library operations.

Through presentations, hands-on sessions, and panel discussions, participants will explore the role of Integrated Library Management Systems (ILS) such as ActiveShelf and Koha in modern library management.”

 

WHO SHOULD PARTICIPATE?

• Library and Information Science Students
• Library and Information Science Educators
• Librarians and Information Professionals

 

WHY YOU SHOULD REGISTER? https://www.thedigital-librarian.com/upcoming-events

1. To develop a clearer understanding of automation, Integrated Library Management Systems (ILMS) and strategies for evaluating, selecting, and implementing the most suitable ILS solution for specific library needs and resources.
2. To enhance efficiency in libraries, streamline workflows, and improve user experiences by gaining hands-on experience from industry experts in implementing cutting-edge solutions such as ‘ActiveShelf’ and ‘Koha’.
3. Participation is FREE to allow librarians draw inspiration from different experiences and success stories shared during the workshop, as well as getting equipped with actionable strategies to drive positive change and innovation in libraries.

 

SCHEDULE: 8TH JUNE, 2024 | 7:00PM GMT +1 (NIGERIAN TIME)​

SESSION 1 (PRESENTATION) – TOPIC: “WHAT EVERY LIBRARIAN MUST KNOW ABOUT AUTOMATION” with Mr. Patrick Agwu (Chairman, NLA IT Section)

SESSION 2 (PRESENTATION AND DEMONSTRATION) – TOPIC: “AUTOMATION MADE EASY WITH KOHA ILMS” with with Dr. N. Saraswathi (Public Librarian, India)

SESSION 3 (PRESENTATION AND HANDSON) – TOPIC: “AUTOMATION MADE EASY WITH ACTIVESHELF INTEGRATED LIBRARY SOLUTION” with Mr. Christian Ogbejie (Business Development Librarian, Libtech)

SESSION 4  (PANEL DISCUSSION) – TOPIC: “ILMS IMPLEMENTATION AND USAGE EXPERIENCES” with Dr. Ogochukwu Thaddeus Emiri (University Librarian, DSUST); Mr. Ayo Owojuyigbe (E-librarian YABATECH); Jeremiah Ugwulebor (Head, Medical Library, UNIPORT); Sunitha Ayesha & Sharon Ngobese  (South Africa)

 

DELIVERABLES

• Hands-on experience with ILMS.
• Certificate of Achievement to Eligible Participants
• Recording of Sessions

Image Generated with ChatGPT 4 DALL-E – An “AI robot named ‘TheDL’, interacting with library users.”

ORGANISERS

• Sylvester I. Ebhonu (The Digital Librarian)
• Libtech, the leading library technology solutions company in Nigeria
• Delta State University of Science and Technology Library
• Nigerian Library Association, Information Technology Section

 

Let’s make library management easier, together. What do you think? #TheDL;