SEASON’S GREETINGS AND GOODWILL MESSAGE FROM AfLIA EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

21 DECEMBER, 2023

Theme: Reflecting on a Year of Achievements and Looking Forward to 2024

Dear AfLIA Members, Strategic Partners, and Distinguished Colleagues,

As we approach the close of a remarkable year, I am filled with gratitude for the efforts and successes we have achieved together. It has been an eventful journey, marked by significant milestones and shared accomplishments.

This year, AfLIA conducted a series of impactful Continuous Professional Development programs, including the AfLIA Wikidata Online Course, the Early Literacy Development Course, and the INELI-SSAf program. The 5th AfLIA Conference and the 7th African Library Summit, coinciding with the organization’s 10th anniversary in Accra, Ghana and a resumption of in-person conferences since the COVID-19 outbreak, was a resounding success, bringing together minds that are shaping the future of our libraries.

Our ongoing library visibility initiative, the African Librarysites platform, witnessed increased contributions from all library types, further solidifying the presence and influence of African libraries on the global stage. Additionally, AfLIA organized webinars and workshops on critical topics, addressing the evolving landscape of LIS education, data librarianship, library publishing, and various aspects of openness. The discussions on achieving UNESCO OER Recommendations through libraries have been enlightening and inspiring. All these initiatives and programs coordinated by AfLIA collectively engaged thousands of library stakeholders, representing every sub-region and LIS profession.

To our esteemed members, your invaluable contributions to our programs and initiatives have been instrumental in redefining the narrative of libraries as catalysts for sustainable community development. Moreover, to our valued strategic partners, your collaboration has been instrumental in amplifying our impact across the continent.

Driven by our unwavering mission to empower the library and information community to actively promote the African development agenda, AfLIA has exciting plans in store for 2024, which will be unveiled in due course. These initiatives hold the potential for greater opportunities for growth, collaboration, and impact in 2024.

To our non-member friends and esteemed library stakeholders across Africa, we acknowledge and applaud the commendable work you are doing to advance our sector. While individual efforts are commendable, the power of collective impact cannot be overstated. AfLIA invites you to join our community and partner with us on this transformative journey.

Greater influence and advocacy for the right to information, education, openness, visibility of library contributions to community development, and the preservation of African cultural heritages are achieved through strategic synergy. AfLIA is the continental association where such synergies are forged, and we warmly extend an invitation to you to join us in shaping the future of African libraries together.

As we celebrate the holiday season, may the spirit of unity of purpose and collaboration continue to guide us, and may the coming year bring joy, prosperity, and fulfillment to each of you and your loved ones.

Warmest wishes for a joyful holiday season and a bright and prosperous New Year!

Sincerely,

Dr. Helena Asamoah-Hassan

Executive Director

African Library and Information Institutions and Associations (AfLIA)