Barbara J. Ford
Director, Mortenson Center for International Library Programs
Review of 2008 Calendar Year Goals
Carnegie and MacArthur grants in Ghana, Nigeria, Tanzania, and Uganda
The Center worked with 10 university libraries on implementing library management systems. Teams of librarians from UIUC went to Africa several times to work with these libraries on technological issues. Ten librarians were at the Mortenson Center for one month in the fall for a program focusing on technology. Susan Schnuer was awarded an additional three years of funding to continue this work through 2011.
IMLS grant, “Thinking Outside the Borders: Library Leadership in a World Community”
The modules that were developed for the final grant report should allow librarians to present their own leadership institutes. The publication, Thinking Outside the Borders-Library Leadership in a World Community: A Manual for Professional Development is now available in print or from the Mortenson Center website.
IMLS grant, “Think Globally, Act Globally” was awarded to the UIUC library
The grant facilitates collaboration, exchange of information, professional development of librarians from the U.S. and China and developing a web portal of resources in support of U.S. libraries serving Chinese speakers. The project is in collaboration with the Chinese American Librarians Association with partial funding from the Chinese Ministry of Culture.
Fall Mortenson Associates program
A successful program for 18 Associates from Bahrain, Colombia, Ghana, Japan, Kenya, Nigeria, Palestine, South Korea, Uzbekistan, and Vietnam was developed with the cooperation of colleagues and other librarians.
Short Term Educational Programs
In March a program for South African university librarians funded by the Carnegie Corporation was offered at the Mortenson Center. The program will be repeated again in 2009. IFLA/OCLC fellows visited the center for a program in May.
Mortenson Distinguished Lecture
Teresa Hackett from eIFL spoke on A2K. The presentation drew a large audience and was well received. Ms. Hackett also worked with the Mortenson Associates as they tested a new copyright course that eIFL is developing for librarians.
Collaboration with library, campus units, and other organizations
Collaborate with UIUC librarians and colleagues on the campus and around the state. Meet with the Associate Provost for International Affairs and other international units on campus. Chair the New Service Model International and Area Studies Team. Collaborative efforts with the University of Pretoria included a leadership program based on the “Thinking Outside the Borders” grant that was held there in November with Mortenson Center staff making presentations.
Promotion of the work of the Mortenson Center
Mortenson Center librarians gave presentations at key conferences and worked to promote dissemination of information about Center projects.
Professional activities
I served on the IFLA Governing Board, continued activities in the American Library Association, and accepted invitations to speak at national and international events when appropriate.
Barbara J. Ford
Director, Mortenson Center for International Library Programs
Goals for 2009
Carnegie and MacArthur grants in Ghana, Nigeria, Tanzania, and Uganda
Work with 10 university libraries on implementing library management systems. Teams of librarians from UIUC will go to Africa several times to work with these libraries on technological issues.
IMLS “Think Globally, Act Globally” grant to work with public librarians in China
Member of steering committee that works with the Asian Library, the Chinese American Librarians Association, and the Chinese Ministry of Culture to plan training programs in China and the U.S. for Chinese librarians and to develop a web portal.
Fall Mortenson Associates program
Develop a suitable program for the Associates with the cooperation of colleagues and other librarians. Again this year we have more applications than we can accept.
Short Term Educational Programs
Plan short term programs for groups such as the March program for South African university librarians funded by the Carnegie Corporation, school librarians in Russia in March, and the IFLA/OCLC fellows in May.
Mortenson Distinguished Lecture
Ellen Tise, President of IFLA for 2009-2011, will deliver the distinguished lecture in October 2009.
Collaboration with library, campus units, and other organizations
Collaborate with UIUC librarians and colleagues on the campus and around the state.
Promotion of the work of the Mortenson Center
Seek opportunities to support and promote the work of the Center.
Chair New Services Model Team for International and Area Studies
Assist the library in planning how to move forward with a new service model for these areas.
Professional activities
Serve on the IFLA Governing Board, continue activities in the American Library Association, accept invitations to speak at international events when appropriate.
February 2009