4TH AfLIA CONFERENCE & 6TH AFRICAN LIBRARY SUMMIT
Title of Papers and Bio of Speakers
Paper 1: Virtual Reality & Video Conferencing in Virtual Library Reference Service Delivery in the 4th Industrial Revolution
ALEX-NMECHA, Juliet C. (PhD)
University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State
juliet.alex-nmecha@uniport.edu.ng
Dr. Juliet C Alex-Nmecha is a passionate Librarian and Lecturer in the Department of Library and Information Science, University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria. Her areas of interest are preservation and conservation of library resources, library advocacy, reference services, library disaster management, and academic librarianship. Dr. Alex-Nmecha holds a PhD and Masters degree in Library and Information Science from Imo State University, Owerri and a Bachelor of Economics (ed.) (B.ED) awarded by the then Rivers State College of Education (now Ignatius Ajuru University of Education). She later got back for Masters in Sociology of Education at the University of Port Harcourt to get in-depth knowledge on how public institutions and individual experiences affect education, its outcomes and how libraries get involved in promoting educational development.
OMAME, Isaiah Michael (CLN)
University Library, Federal University of Lafia, Nasarawa State, Nigeria.
omameazy@yahoo.com; omameazy@gmail.com
Mr. Isaiah Michael Omame is a Librarian at the University Library, Federal University of Lafia, Nigeria. He is a certified and Chartered Librarian of Nigeria (CLN), and the Editor-in-Chief of Nigerian Library Association (NLA), Nasarawa State Chapter. The research interests of Mr. Omame include: artificial intelligence and robotics in libraries, Internet of Things (IoT), cloud computing, big data and smart library technology, library automation, database management, information systems, usability studies, bibliometrics and cybernetics, reference services and information retrieval systems. He has presented a number of papers at conferences locally and internationally and also published in reputable local and international journals. Isaiah holds a Diploma in Computer Applications awarded by the University of Jos, Nigeria, B.Tech. and M. Tech. (First Class Hons) from Federal University of Technology Minna, Nigeria.
Paper 2: LIS Professionals’ Awareness, Understanding and Readiness for the 4th IR Library and Information Services Engagement
ANUNOBI, Chinwe V. (PhD)
Federal University of Tech. Owerri
Dr. Chinwe Veronica Anunobi was the fourth Substantive University Librarian, Federal University of Technology Owerri, Nigeria and Associate Professor presently on vacation at the Centre for Migration Studies Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka. She is Associate of the Mortenson Center for International Library Program, University of Illinois, a certified trainee of United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) on Innovation Collaborative for Development, e-Learning course on Social Media and a graduate of Galilee International Management Institute (GIMI) Israel. Dr. Anunobi sits on the Council of African Library and Information Associations and Institutions (AfLIA) and also a member of Ranking Team on the National Universities Commission’s Open Educational Resources. Chinwe holds a PhD in Library & Information Science from the University of Nigeria.
OBIAMALU, Amaka Raymonda (Lecturer I)
Department of Library & Information Science, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka Nigeria,
Ms. Amaka Raymonda Obiamalu is a Lecturer in the Department of Library and Information Science, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria. She is a certified Librarian, and a member of National Association of Library and Information Science Educators (NALISE), Member of Nigerian Library Association (NLA), both state and national level. Her research interest is around information literacy skills and research output, Open Science, open access, assessment of university library facilities and library administration. She has a number of local and international publications to her credit. Amaka holds a Master’s degree in Library and Information Science and currently a PhD candidate in Library and Information Science. She is an alumnus of University of Pretoria, South Africa through the Continuous Professional Development programme (CPD).
OBUEZIE, Adaora Chigozie (Lecturer II)
Department of Library & Information Science, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka Nigeria,
Ms. Adaora Chigozie Obuezie is an Assistant Lecturer in the Department of Library and Information Science, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria. She was the immediate past College Librarian, Anambra State College of Health Technology, Obosi, Anambra State. She is the webmaster and communication officer of the SIG-IEP, Association of Information Science and Technology (ASIS&T), a Fellow, Institute of Policy Management Development (FIPMD) and also the PRO of the Nigerian Library Association, Anambra State Chapter. She is a Certified Librarian of Nigeria (CLN) by Librarians’ Registration Council of Nigeria (LRCN), a member of Nigerian Library Association (NLA), Nigerian Association of Library and Information Science Educators (NALISE) and Association of Information Science and Technology (ASIS&T). Adaora holds a Bachelor and Master degrees in Library and Information Science from Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, as well as presently pursuing her PhD programme in Library and Information Science from the same University (NAU).
Paper 3: Repositioning Libraries, Information Systems and Services in the Era of Fourth Industrial Revolution
MOHAMMED, Zakari (Professor)
Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria
Mohammed Zakari is a Professor of Library and Information Science in the Department of Library and Information Science, Faculty of Education, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria. Professor Zakari joined the services of Ahmadu Bello University as Graduate Assistant in 1981 and rose to the rank of Professor of Library and Information Science in 1998.
Paper 4: Libraries as spaces for innovative technology start-ups
CHINGOVO, Richard
Zimbabwe Open University Masvingo ZIMBABWE
Mr. Richard Chingovo works with the Department of Information Science and Records Management, Zimbabwe. Open University Midlands Library, Zimbabwe. He has Masters degree in Library and Information Science; Bachelor of Science Honours in Library and Information Science; Higher National Diploma; Diploma; National Certificate in Library and Information Science and National Certificate for further training in Education from Harare Polytechnic.
DIYA, Belinda
Great Zimbabwe University Masvingo ZIMBABWE
Ms. Belinda Diya is a staff of Great Zimbabwe University, Zimbabwe. She has a Masters degree in Library and Information Science, NUST; Bachelor of Science Honors degree in Library and Information Science, ZOU; National Diploma in Library and Information Science, Bulawayo Polytechnic; National Certificate in Library and Information Science, Bulawayo Polytechnic.
CHIDIOGO, Mezue Chibuzor
Federal College of Education, P.M.B. 0189, Umunze, Anambra State, Nigeria
Mrs. Mezue Chidiogo is currently a Senior Library Officer at the Library and Information Department, Umunze College of Education and Technical. Prior to this appointment, she was engaged in community library development in rural communities as part of voluntary efforts to encourage reading among the growing population especially girl children. This work pioneered her first book “Educate a female child and develop a nation”. She says happily that: “Library and information science studies, a gift to me.” Mezue is a native of Ideani, a small community in Nigeria, happily married with the 4th child. By His grace a graduate of Library and Information Science both in Higher National Diploma and Post-graduate Diploma, while currently enrolled as an MSc Student
OMAME, Isaiah Michael (CLN)
University Library, Federal University of Lafia, Nasarawa State, Nigeria.
omameazy@yahoo.com; omameazy@gmail.com
Mr. Isaiah Michael Omame is a Librarian at the University Library, Federal University of Lafia, Nigeria. He is a certified and Chartered Librarian of Nigeria (CLN), and the Editor-in-Chief of Nigerian Library Association (NLA), Nasarawa State Chapter. The research interests of Mr. Omame include: artificial intelligence and robotics in libraries, Internet of Things (IoT), cloud computing, big data and smart library technology, library automation, database management, information systems, usability studies, bibliometrics and cybernetics, reference services and information retrieval systems. He has presented a number of papers at conferences locally and internationally and also published in reputable local and international journals. Isaiah holds a Diploma in Computer Applications awarded by the University of Jos, Nigeria, B.Tech. and M. Tech. (First Class Hons) from Federal University of Technology Minna, Nigeria.
ABDULDAYAN, Fitimah Jibril (PhD, CLN)
Department of Library and Information Technology, Federal University of Technology, Minna, Nigeria.
Dr. Fitimah Jibril Abduldayan is a Lecturer in the Department of Library and Information Technology at Federal University of Technology, Minna, Nigeria. Her research interests are in the areas of National ICT Policy, Use of ICT in Academic Libraries, Privacy and Security Issues in Social Media Networks, United Nations SDGs in Nigeria, and Research Data Management. Her article on the evaluation of national ICT policy across sectors in Nigeria can be accessed on the Social Science Research Network using author ID http://ssrn.com/author=2326224. She has other articles in reputable National and International Journals covering various areas of her research interests. She did her doctorate program with focus on research data management practice of chemists in Federal Universities of Technology in Nigeria.
ABUBAKAR, Zuwaira Ahmed (CLN)
University Library, Federal University of Lafia, Nasarawa State, Nigeria.
zuwee19@yahoo.com; zuwaireabubakar@gmail.com
Mrs. Zuwaira Ahmed Abubakar is a Librarian at the University Library, Federal University of Lafia, Nigeria. She is a certified and Chartered Librarian of Nigeria (CLN), Head, Department of Postgraduate Studies Library, Federal University of Lafia. Her research interests are in the areas of Library Automation, Information Technology, Literature of Library and Information Science, History and Education in Librarianship. She has presented a number of papers at conferences locally and internationally and also published in reputable local and international journals. Zuwaira holds a National Certificate of Education (NCE) Social Studies double major (Federal College of Education Katsina), B.LIS and MIM from Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, Nigeria.
Paper 7: COVID 19 and the 21st Century Educators: the Need for Technological Skills
LIATO, Sharon Munshya
Principal Librarian, Zambia Library Service HQ
Ms. Sharon Munshya Liato joined the service of Zambia Library Service as a Librarian in December 2007 and rose through the ranks to her current position of Principal Librarian, Zambia Library Service.
MWAPE, Alice Musonda
Assistant Library Officer, Zambia Library Service HQ
Ms. Alice Musonda Mwape has worked as Librarian under the Ministry of General Education since December 2008 and has acquired vast experience in the profession through trainings and interactions with other librarians across the world. She is a graduate of the AfLIA INELI – SSAf Cohort 2 of 2018 – 2020.
United Theological College, 134 Valley View Lane Hatfield, Harare, Zimbabwe
Ms. Beatrice Kaseke works with the United Theological College in Harare, Zimbabwe as a Library Assistant. She was born in Zvimba rural district in Zimbabwe. She had her primary education at Fundo Primary School, Harare from 2001 to 2007 and later moved back to Zvimba where she undertook her secondary education at Oasis Group of Colleges from 2008 to 2013. She went on to Harare Polytechnic College and attained a Diploma in Library and Information Science.
Report: Libraries for Development: an update from the ALVA Project
Research Associate, Technology and Social Change Group (TASCHA), University of Washington, Seattle, USA.
Renee Lynch is a PhD Candidate in English and Research Associate with the Technology and Social Change Group (TASCHA) at the Information School, University of Washington (UW), Seattle. Her research interests include English language education in sub-Saharan Africa, international collaboration, and decolonizing pedagogies. She has been collaborating with AfLIA on the Advancing Library Visibility in Africa (ALVA) project since 2019. She holds a Masters in TESOL from UW and a Bachelors in Theatre and Anthropology from Grinnell College.
Senior Research Scientist, Technology and Social Change Group (TASCHA), University of Washington, Seattle, USA.
Dr. Jason Young is a Senior Research Scientist with the Technology & Social Change (TASCHA) Group at the University of Washington (UW) Information School. He is also a research fellow at the UW Center for an Informed Public and an affiliate faculty at the UW Jackson School of International Studies. Young’s research interests include information and communication technologies and development (ICTD), misinformation studies, technology use in rural communities, and community-based research design. He has been collaborating with AfLIA on the Advancing Library Visibility in Africa (ALVA) project since 2017. He holds a PhD in Geography from the University of Washington.
Ignite Talk: The COVID-19 Starter Pack
Librarian- Kenya National Library Service, Buruburu branch, Nairobi, Kenya.
Yusuf Ganyana is a Senior ICT Assistant Officer working for the Kenya National Library
Service, Buruburu Community Library Branch, Nairobi, Kenya. He is a champion for digital
literacy and inclusion working with un-derserved communities.
Ignite Talk: Education for girls: extra mural classes to help improve exam marks
Librarian – Sierra Leone Library Board.
Momoh Mansaray is a Librarian working for Sierra Leone Library Board and attached to the Kambia District Library in Kambia. He is a graduate of Fourah Bay College with BA Honours in Library and Information Science. Momoh is an Alumni of the Initiative for Young African Library Innovators (IYALI). He is a passionate Librarian that loves working with young people especially girls. He is very pious in making sure that the girl child becomes educated and self sufficient.
Ignite Talk: Data-Detox for young adults in Kenya
Librarian – Kenya National Library Services- Knls Embu.
Jemmimah Wangechi is a librarian at Kenya National Library Services – Knls Embu Branch. My key responsibility is to oversee the duties and procedures of the branch, seek partnership with strategic partners and institutions to ensure effective and efficient access to information for community empowerment. I also engage in planning and designing experiential and impactful events that create awareness of the library roles and existences in the community. My experience spans 7 years in management of public libraries and enhancing access to information and resources. I have also engaged actively in programming for life skills training, delivering training on resume writing, networking, and interviewing skills.
Ignite Talk: Engaging, Inspiring and Collaborative Arts in the library.
Provincial Librarian – Provincial Education Southern Office, Zambia.
Allan Mudenda Hagwelele is currently working as Provincial Librarian at the Provincial Education Office in Southern Province managing Choma Provincial Library, and overseeing district and school libraries. Allan is committed to empowering citizens to be critical thinkers, skilled researchers and users of information to make decisions that affect them. Allan is the current Membership Secretary for Library and Information Association of Zambia. Other than being Initiative Young African Library Innovators (IYALI) alumni, Allan worked as LOCAL Project Coordinator for a digital reading project supported by Worldreader. Allan holds a Bachelor’s degree in Library and Information Science and History from the University of Zambia.
Ignite Talk: Public Libraries for Empowered and Better Communities.
Senior Librarian (Deputy Branch Manager) at Misr Public Library, Egypt.
Mostafa Tuhami is a Senior Librarian and Deputy Branch Manager at Misr Public Library (MPL), Egypt. He is currently a Ph.D. candidate in Educational Technology at Cairo University and an also acts as a Program Manager of INELI-MENA-Egypt. Mostafa is a co-editor of a number of per-reviewed articles including AFLI indicators to measure the performance in libraries: National, Academic, public, and school libraries. He is an alumni of the 2018 IYALI, INELI-MENA 2015-2017, and IVLP: American Libraries program in 2014. He has also represented MPL in many regional and international conferences such as ALA conference 2014, IFLA congress 2018, AfLIA conference 2019, AFLI, and ELA conferences.
Interview: Prospects and challenges of academic libraries as learning goes online.
Director, Botswana International University Of Science And Technology.
Dr. Lebele is an extensively experienced librarian who has grown from working in public, special research and academic libraries. In the process she learned how to manage the resource in these different types of libraries and especially the information access and usage patterns of the patrons in these libraries. Ayanda also holds a PhD in library science which she attained from the University of South Africa. Her professional journey has made her to appreciate and value the different entities as they interact within the library and information eco-system. She importantly places high esteem on librarians as professionals who provide access to the information resources. She also advocates for empowerment of librarians as lead participants in today’s information led economic environment. Dr. Lebele’s research area is in informatics, with more emphasis on the use of Information and Communication Technologies for socio-economic upliftment.
Panel Discussion – Various overlays of Openness in knowledge creation / dissemination, where libraries fit in and why the practice is needful for driving 4IR in Africa
Director (Research & Learning) at the University of Cape Town Libraries, South Africa
Reggie Raju is the Director (Research & Learning) at the University of Cape Town Libraries. He has been in academic libraries for more than 30 years. He holds a PhD in Information Studies. He is the author of several publications in peer-reviewed national and international journals, chapters in books and a book publication. His research focus is on research librarianship with an emphasis on open access and library publishing. Reggie is an NRF rated researcher with the research focus of open access. He is currently a member of the Academic and Research Libraries Standing Committee of IFLA as well as being the convenor of its Special Interest Group: Library Publishing. Reggie is currently the Chair of SPARC Africa and is driving the social justice agenda of open access for Africa. He serves on the editorial board of Journal of librarianship and scholarly communication and South African journal of libraries and information science.
Motivational Talk – Intentional Librarianship: Even when doors are closed
Associate Professor of Information Science, Acting University Librarian, University of Ghana Library System, Legon.
Perpetua Dadzie is an Associate Professor of Information Science and currently the Acting University Librarian of the University of Ghana Library System, Legon. She has also been teaching at the University of Ghana since 2006 and her areas of expertise include Information Sources, Marketing of Information Services and Public Relations. Perpetua served two terms as President of the Ghana Library Association from 2012 -2016. She was also a member of IFLA Africa section Committee from 2015-2017.