A programme, the Initiative Young African Library Innovators (IYALI) is being managed by Electronic Information for Libraries (EIFL), to connect young librarians with their peers elsewhere in Africa and in transitional and developing countries. It is envisioned that this will expand their outlook and also help them gain new ideas and create a network that will assist them to support each other in their work.

EIFL works in collaboration with AfLIA, and the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) and with support from the Global Libraries Initiative of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

Purpose of IYALI

The ultimate aim of IYALI is:

  • To empower young and forward looking African public librarians with leadership potential to embrace, set and realize ambitious expectations for innovative library services that contributes to sustainable development,
  • To give them confidence and vision to continue transformation of library services and ensure that libraries across Africa are constantly evolving to meet individual and community needs in a rapidly changing environment.

IYALI participants are selected on a competitive basis through an open call for applications. Two groups of librarians (15 to 20 each year starting 2017) will be able to attend the Young African library innovators pre-conference before proceeding to the IFLA World Library and Information Congress.

The first group of IYALI has been selected and will hold their pre-conference as well as tour libraries in Lithuania before travelling to Wroclaw, Poland to attend the IFLA World Library and Information Congress in August 2017. They are:

Algeria

Djillali Chatane
Head of Information Services at
Public Library of 'Le Center Cultural Islamique' of Oran.

Ghana

Felicia Kuubepuo
Library Assistant at Sunyani Public Library
Ghana Library Authority.

Kenya

Jemmimah Wangechi Maragwa
Librarian at Kangema Library
Kenya National Library Services.
Joseck Olala
ICT Officer at Nakuru Public Library
Kenya National Library Service.
Koi Kazungu
Senior Library Assistant at Kwale Community Library
Kenya National Library Service.

Malawi

Khumbo Ng'ong'ola
Readers' Services Librarian at
Malawi National Library Service.

Namibia

Ezze Shipo
Senior Librarian at
Okalongo Community Library.

Nigeria

Ranti Ishola
Assistant Library Officer at
Oyo State Library Board.

South Africa

Mukhethwa Patience Tshisikule
Reference Librarian at
Bellville Public Library.
Sydney Nkosi
Librarian at
Emjindini Public Library in Mbombela Municipality.
Thuletu Brenda Mlumbi-Javu
Adult Librarian at
Kuyasa Public Library.

Tanzania

Taus Hamad Banzi
Kibaha Regional Librarian
Tanzania National Library Board.
Shariff Mdanku
Librarian at Mwanza Regional Library
Tanzania Library Service Board.
Jackline Mshana
Head of Projects and Programmes at
Tanzania Library Service Board.

Uganda

Betty Kabanyoro Wamara
Senior Assistant Librarian at
Hoima Municipal Council Public Library.
Bonny Olobo
Adult Library Officer at
Kampala Public Library.
Isa Maganda
Chief Librarian at
Nambi Sseppuuya Community Resource Centre.

Zambia

Given Mwenda Besa
Library Manager at
Ngwerere Lubuto Library.
Allan Hagwelele Mudenda
Provincial Librarian at
the Provincial Education Office.