Article re-cap
- The City of Cape Town celebrated the graduation of 23 librarians on South African Librarians Day.
- A total of 80 City librarians have completed the Strengthening Innovative Library Leaders programme since its launch five years ago.
- The SILL programme was developed by the Mortenson Centre for International Library Programs at the University of Illinois Library with support from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
- Training for the graduates focused on leadership, problem solving, project planning, communication, innovation and building community connections.
The City of Cape Town celebrated the graduation of 23 librarians on South African Librarians Day, following their completion of a leadership development programme.
The City Library and Information Services held the graduation on Thursday, 10 July, marking the end of training conducted during May and June. This latest group brings the total number of City librarians to have completed the Strengthening Innovative Library Leaders (SILL) programme to 80 since its launch five years ago.
The SILL programme was developed by the Mortenson Centre for International Library Programs at the University of Illinois Library with support from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Training focused on leadership, problem-solving, project planning, communication, innovation and building community connections to prepare librarians for the future of public libraries.
City Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Francine Higham, praised the graduates for their commitment to professional development.
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.
The graduation theme, Future-Fit Librarians, highlighted the need to adapt to technological change as libraries evolve into digital learning hubs. Graduates include Sipho Fako from Wynberg Library, who will present a talk at the National LIASA Conference, and Randal Rousseau from Valhalla Park Library, who has been exploring how artificial intelligence can improve library services.
Frequently asked questions
What is the SILL programme and who developed it?
The Strengthening Innovative Library Leaders (SILL) programme was developed by the Mortenson Centre for International Library Programs at the University of Illinois Library with support from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. It trains librarians in leadership, problem-solving, project planning, communication, innovation and building community connections.
How many Cape Town librarians have now completed the SILL programme?
A total of 80 librarians from the City of Cape Town have completed the SILL programme since its launch five years ago. The latest graduation ceremony on 10 July saw 23 librarians complete the training, which was conducted during May and June.
What is the 'Future-Fit Librarians' theme about?
The Future-Fit Librarians theme highlights the need for libraries to adapt to technological change as they evolve into digital learning hubs. It underscores the importance of preparing librarians for the future of public libraries in an increasingly digital landscape.
What projects are graduates from this cohort working on?
Sipho Fako from Wynberg Library will present a talk at the National LIASA Conference. Randal Rousseau from Valhalla Park Library has been exploring how artificial intelligence can improve library services.
Source: capetownetc.com
