Teenagers, Stakeholders Commend Convener, Mrs Christabel Ebhonu on Training Initiative
“This programme is intended to expose you to basic photography, Baking and ICT skills, and I hope that by the end of this programme, we would all leave here more empowered than we came.”
Those were the words of the Convener of the much-anticipated Teen-Stars Skills Training, Mrs. Christabel Ebhonu (a Multimedia Content Creator and Teens Coach). The 8-hour plus Skills Training Event which was held successfully on 21st August 2024 at Emmanuel Anglican Church, Ibusa was organized by BreakitDown Initiative for Teens, in collaboration with the Anglican Children Ministry (ACM), Ibusa Archdeaconry, Delta State.
Present at the event were Ven. Dr. Samson Anwasia, (Archdeacon of Ibusa Archdeaconry), Celestine Adimabua Okocha (ACM Zonal Chaplain), Mr. Sylvester Ebhonu (The Digital Librarian), Children Teachers, and other enthusiasts. The event attracted over 103 registered adolescents, with 65 attending. Participants were divided into three classes of their interests: Baking, ICT Skills, and Photography
While declaring the ceremony open, Ven. Dr. Samson Anwasia expressed his appreciation to the Convener, Mrs. Christabel Ebhonu, and her dedicated team. He emphasized the importance of acquiring skills alongside academic degrees while urging the participants to seize the learning opportunities presented to them by a young promising woman.
While briefing journalists, the convener, Mrs. Christabel, commended her instructors, participants and partners for their support. Presenting her Welcome Address during the event, she expressed satisfaction over the huge turnout. She said: “the event which coincided with her birthday, was her selfless commitment to catch adolescents young – It is better to catch them Young than repair them as adults. She noted that, empowering them with the necessary skills will make them to be job ready in future and become good citizens of the country. Speaking further during the event by one of the speakers, The ACM Chaplain, Celestine Okocha, also encouraged the teenagers to make the most of the training sessions.
In the words of Mrs. Christabel Ebhonu as she narrated more on the trainings at the event,
the ICT Class:
“Building Digital Literacy was part of the Skills training, and the ICT Class Instructor, Mr. Abiola Olaibi (an IT Expert and Event Planner), provided a comprehensive introduction to digital literacy and practical computer applications. He highlighted the importance of understanding and utilizing digital technologies effectively. He revealed basic tips on the impact of technology on society, online safety and etiquette, intensive hands-on on Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel and PowerPoint), Graphic design with Canva, amongst others. The training successfully empowered 21 students with the skills necessary to navigate the digital world securely and efficiently”.
“On Baking Skills Training: Fundamentals of Confectionery,
the baking Instructor, Mrs Adediwura Olaibi (Baker, Writer and Entrepreneur) said the baking class was a sweet success, with over 35 students learning the fundamentals of cake baking and pastry making. Participants gained hands-on experience baking vanilla butter and oil-based cakes and preparing buttercream icing”. The session concluded with a bonus exercise in making puff-puff, leaving the students with new skills and sweet treats.” The Photography class, which was handled by the Convener herself was also an enriching session.
Photography Class:
Apart from using slides and pictures to teach them, I introduced them to the essentials of camera handling, safety, and setting adjustments for various environments, including indoor and outdoor, day and night scenarios for photography and videography. Students also learned how to use and set the speed light. Each participant had the chance to practice with the camera, and more than half of them confidently demonstrated their ability to adjust camera settings based on environmental factors”.
On Celebrating Achievements,
Certificates of appreciation were presented to the instructors, and outstanding students received Best Student Awards: Onos Divine Great – Best Student in ICT Skills, George Blessing Ezekiel – Best Student in Baking, Obiefule Chukwuka Great- Best Student in Photography”. According to her, the feedback from the participants were also assessed as they shared the fears and concerns they had before the class started. The Teens expressed excitement and commended the Convener for all they have learned and how it would impact on their lives going forward.
“Indeed, the Teen-Stars Skills Training turned out to be not just a skills acquisition programme, but a platform that ignited the dreams of adolescents present, and I really do hope that this experience would shapen their future for good.” She concluded.
Kudos to Mrs. Ebhonu and her team for putting together such a remarkable event! Highpoint of the event was a Birthday Surprise in honour of Mrs. Christabel Ebhonu pulled by her husband, Mr. Sylvester Ebhonu, as all participants gathered for a final group photograph and celebration. See more photos here
LRCN Inducted 69 Certified Librarians at Rivers State University
The Librarians’ Registration Council of Nigeria (LRCN) inducted 69 new certified librarians at the Rivers State University in Port Harcourt, who are graduates from both Rivers State University and Ignatius Ajuru University on Friday, 12th of July, 2024. This historic event marked a significant milestone for the library profession in the South-South region, bringing the total number of certified and registered librarians in Nigeria to 8,382.
Adding to the significance of the event, the President and Chairman of Council NIGERIAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION declared that librarians will now use the title “Lbrn” as their professional designation, similar to other professional associations in Nigeria. Therefore, the President
will now be addressed as Lbrn (Pastor) Dominic Omokaro, FNLA, F.CIoD, FCAI, CLN.
As the new Lbrns embark on their careers, they carry with them the responsibility of upholding the highest standards of the profession. With the LRCN’s rigorous accreditation and the NLA’s guidance, these young professionals are poised to make valuable contributions to their communities and the nation as a whole.
The induction ceremony was well attended by the leadership of the Rivers State University, Librarians’ Registration Council of Nigeria (LRCN), the national and state leadership of the Nigeria Library Association, lectures from the Rivers State University and Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, the inductees, students, parents, and members of the pen profession.
“BusinessDay gathered that in the US, Librarians are paid a minimum of $55,000 (N85m) per year, but the status of a librarian starts from Master’s Degree…” 
Congratulations to the newly Certified Librarians as they step into ‘librarianship’.
Detecting AI Content may get better with OpenAI’s Watermarking Feature
Unlike when OpenAI first released ChatGPT3, its actually now encouraging to see AI developers taking steps towards improved transparency, just like the recent update of OpenAI’s development of a text watermarking method to detect AI-generated content. The report claims that the new watermarking tool is 99.9% effective at identifying ChatGPT’s output, but OpenAI has yet to release it. However, we can learn more about the report here: OpenAI has built a text watermarking method to detect ChatGPT-written content — company has mulled its release over the past year.
My concern though, is about the part that mentioned that a professor once failed an entire class after their AI detection tool incorrectly flagged all student papers as AI-generated. Let us not forget that there are past cases of where AI Detection tools like TurnitIn and GPTzero have given an unfair judgement about contents generated with AI.
So, as this new-found love by many students and scholars (AI Technology) continues to evolve, we must all take care, especially Librarians. Library and Information Professionals should be at the forefront of AI Literacy. Let us not stop teaching our students and library users the implications of not using AI responsibly.
Over here, we’re still promoting the #ResponsibleUseofAICampiagn. Reach out, and we’ll implement the Responsible Use of AI Webinar at your Institution, for your Staff/Students.
The Value of Librarians: LRCN’s Situation Could be a Call
The Value of Librarians: LRCN’s Situation Could be a Call – By Sylvester Ebhonu
As reported by THE WHISTLER about 3 months ago, “Life has become very difficult for members of staff of the Librarians’ Registration Council of Nigeria (LRCN) since the Federal Government removed the parastatal from Budget Funding.” However, in a startling turn of events, LRCN staff recently appeared on the popular Brekete Family programme (a prominent Nigerian talk show advocating for the rights of the oppressed) to voice their concerns over non-payment of salaries since January 2024 till date. Link to the Complete Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h5F__OOtJPU.
Sylvester Ebhonu (The Digital Librarian and digital skills advocate), has released a reaction video titled: What Value Do Librarians Bring? | TheDL’s Reaction Video: LRCN Staff & Brekete Family featuring key highlights from that programme held on the 30th of July, 2024.
This development has caused a stir in the library and information science (LIS) sector in Nigeria, raising critical questions about the value and future of librarianship in our country. The situation actually demands a reflective examination of the value librarians bring to society and the objective changes that are required to uphold essential roles librarians play.
CLICK TO WATCH ON
Youtube OR Facebook OR LinkedIn
What is the Root of the Crisis and Public Perception of Librarians?
According to the LRCN staff on the programme, led by the chairman of the Nigeria Civil Service Union, LRCN Unit, Prince Gambari Shuaib Siyanbola, Christopher Uwague and others. They allege that in June 2023, the Federal Government informed 56 agencies, including the LRCN, TRCN and others, that funding would cease effective from 2024. Despite assurances from management that the Ministry of Education, which oversees the LRCN, would address the issue, LRCN staff have continued working without pay for several months.
This case not only reflects the immediate financial distress they face but also raises questions about the perceived value of librarians and efficacy of the LRCN. For instance, one of the most striking part of the video was the confusion about the term “librarian” itself. Consultant Iyke who was moderating the session had to consult a dictionary to correctly pronounce the word, highlighting a significant public relations challenge facing the profession. This misconception extends beyond mere pronunciation; it reflects a broader lack of understanding about the role and value of librarians in modern society.
As noted by Consultant Dr. Iyke Ezeugo who moderated the programme, there’s a perception that libraries and librarians have not kept pace with technological advancements. He criticized leadership for not adapting to recent developments, suggesting that LRCN may have been seen as “idle” by the government and the situation may be likened to what happened to NIPOST.
Interestingly, this perception gap is not peculiar to Nigeria only. A 2016 Pew Research Center study found that while 77% of Americans say libraries provide them with the resources they need, many are unaware of the full range of services libraries offer. This global challenge stresses the need for librarians to deliberately showcase and communicate their value in the era that we’re now in.
Now what questions are arising from all these? I’ve compiled a summary of ten (10) alarming questions some professionals are actually asking:
- Why was LRCN selected among the 56 agencies?
- What does this decision say about the public and government’s perception of librarians and information professionals?
- Are library services in Nigeria perceived as elitist?
- Are Libraries under-valued in Nigeria?
- What role can Public Services Librarians play in all these?
- Should the correct spelling and pronunciation of ‘Librarian’ be infused in LIS curriculum?
- How can Nigerian libraries and librarians increase their visibility?
- Are these issues, not excluding leadership, a mere foretaste of what is yet to come?
- How can the library community respond to this crisis effectively?
- Could the Nigerian Library Association (NLA) take a more active role in setting standards, advocating for librarians’ rights and promoting the value of the profession similar to the efforts of the American Library Association (ALA) and the Library and Information Association of South Africa (LIASA)?
My Ten Kobo
This situation serves as a reminder that the role of librarians must evolve to remain relevant in the 21st century. Modern librarians are no longer just cataloguers and custodians of books; they are information professionals, Data Curators and Managers, Digital Literacy Educators, Archivists/Record Managers, and Community and Cultural Heritage Builders. The ALA Core Competences of Librarianship policy is one document I believe Nigerian Librarians can similarly adapt to begin to align themselves with these evolving roles and better communicate to the public and stakeholders. See also, a presentation delivered by Sylvester Ebhonu at Navigating Tomorrow: Redefining Librarianship (An Exclusive Webinar for LIS Students).
On final thoughts, if you don’t empower them, don’t blame them. Government must start taking responsibility for many challenges we face today. Professionals (especially Librarians) on the other hand must understand that for them to remain relevant, the new culture should be Continuous Learning and Upskilling in areas such as data science, library automation, and emerging technologies (Artificial Intelligence, etc).
LRCN challenge today is more than just a salary issue; it’s a CALL for the entire library and information science profession in Nigeria.
Watch the complete Video on Brekete Family Channel!
Watch the Digital Librarian’s Reaction Video Here!
How you react after reading and watching these videos will determine whether libraries will remain relevant, valued institutions or actually reflect ‘public opinion.’ So, please, Share your thoughts. How do you think librarians can better demonstrate their value to stakeholders and the public in today’s digital age? How can we collaborate, what individual/collective efforts can we bring together to amplify our message?
Onward to Greatness!
The Digital Librarian
Head, E-Service and Reference/Marketing Departments
Delta State University of Science and Technology Library, Ozoro
Have any Questions? Learn more at the Upskill and Connect Village Share with others.
Sources:
Anthropic (2024). Claud 3.5 Sonnet. [Large language model] https://claude.ai/
Brekete Family [@breketefamily]. (2024). Brekete family live program 30th July 2024. Youtube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h5F__OOtJPU
ALA (2023). ALA’s Core Competencies of Librarianship. https://www.ala.org/educationcareers/careers/corecomp/corecompetences
Horrigan, J. B. (2016). Libraries 2016. Pew Research Center. https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2016/09/09/libraries-2016/
The Digital Librarian [@thedigitallibr]. (2023). Navigating tomorrow: Redefining librarianship (an exclusive webinar for LIS students). Youtube. https://www.youtube.com/live/1j41MqB8eqM
Are Academic Journals really a Lucrative Scam?
I recently came across a thought-provoking article on The Guardian by Arash Abizadeh, titled “Academic journals are a lucrative scam – and we’re determined to change that.” This article sheds light on the exploitative practices of the big five academic publishers: Elsevier, Wiley, Taylor & Francis, Springer Nature, and SAGE. These publishers generate billions in revenue, with profit margins that often surpass tech giants like Google, all while relying on the unpaid labor of academics.
Abizadeh highlights how these publishers charge exorbitant fees for access to journals, making it difficult for universities and the public to access essential research. The article discusses the impact of these practices on the academic community and the broader public, emphasizing the need for a shift towards “diamond” open access models. These models eliminate the financial burden on authors, editors, and readers, making research freely accessible to all.
“The commercial stranglehold on academic publishing is doing considerable damage to our intellectual and scientific culture. As disinformation and propaganda spread freely online, genuine research and scholarship remains gated and prohibitively expensive…”
I encourage you to read the full article here and share your thoughts on the writer’s opinions. How do you think we can collectively move towards a more equitable academic publishing system?
Let’s discuss it!
Is open science and publishing really the way to go?
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 26th July – 28th 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:
- Almost half of the libraries (46.9%) now offer internet hotspots for checkout, marking an increase of 14.4% from 2020.
- About a quarter of libraries (24.6%) provide digital media production equipment, and over one-third (39.5%) have maker production equipment.
- A staggering 95.3% of public libraries offer some form of digital literacy training.
- Nearly 30% of libraries have implemented digital navigator programs, which provide personalized assistance to patrons in navigating digital resources and technology.
- Almost one in five libraries (19.7%) are involved in digital equity or inclusion coalitions at the local, state, or regional level.
- 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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Efforts towards advocating for digital equity or policies and initiatives that promote digital inclusion should be increased.
- 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/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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
