Empowering Librarians

Over 6 days in 2019, we led a training in southern Ethiopia on the intricacies of library science, introducing eager ninety-two librarians to the possibilities of the libraries they oversee. These librarians were from the university, teacher training college, health college and polytechnic college as well as local high schools and primary schools from 4 neighboring counties. We were informed by a master Ethiopian Librarian, Alemu Abebe, “that our training was the first in the history of Ethiopia where school librarians received any library training.” This course covered such topics as resource organization, information technology, all-age programs, creating community libraries, and their overall capabilities in assisting students, teachers and the public. Libraries are our passion. For the finale of our conference, we gave gifts of hundreds of useful native language books to better equip their school libraries. These librarians returned to their schools full of enthusisam and knowledge. Their new found skills and strategies will transform their libraries and enrich their students experiences. Thousands of present and future students will enjoy the fruits of thier efforts.