Alumnus of the Month- October 2025
Dr. Elizabeth D. Malabanan, 2024
“The Mortenson Center experience greatly inspired my leadership journey and continues to guide my work in transforming library spaces and empowering future information professionals.”- Liz
Current Title, Place of work and Country
Library Director, University of Perpetual Help System Laguna, Philippines
Summary of your work duties and what do you enjoy most about being an LIS professional?
As the Director of Libraries at the University of Perpetual Help System Laguna, I oversee the overall planning, implementation, and evaluation of our library services and programs. I manage the library team, guide the integration of technology into our services, and ensure that both students and faculty have access to resources that support learning, research, and innovation. I also provide leadership in the development of library policies, staff training, and community engagement initiatives.
What I enjoy most about being an LIS professional is the opportunity to empower others through access to knowledge. Every day, I witness how libraries can inspire curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking. It gives me joy to see students and faculty use the library as a space not only for study but for collaboration and discovery. Librarianship is more than a profession—it’s a mission of service and transformation.
What is a current project you are working on right now?
I am currently leading the Library Space Transformation Project at the University of Perpetual Help System Laguna, which was inspired by my learning from the Mortenson Center Associates Program. We are re-imagining the library as an open, flexible, and collaborative learning hub that promotes creativity, inclusivity, and student engagement.
We are also enhancing our digital and technological infrastructure, including the integration of cloud-based library systems and new digital learning tools. These upgrades are helping us streamline operations and make resources more accessible to our community.
In addition, I’m mentoring young librarians to adopt innovative approaches in service delivery and leadership—continuing the spirit of global collaboration I gained from the Mortenson experience.
What LIS related session/ topic(s) were most interesting/memorable for you when you attended the program?
“Innovation starts with curiosity — and Mortenson inspired me to transform our library into an open, collaborative, and tech-empowered learning space.”- Liz
Many sessions were eye-opening, but the ones that stood out to me most were on library leadership, innovation, and digital transformation. The discussions on Digital Citizenship and Sustainability in Libraries reshaped how I view the evolving role of libraries in society.
The visits to the University of Illinois Libraries and OCLC in Dublin, Ohio gave me a deeper understanding of how technology and collaboration can enhance information accessibility and strengthen library networks worldwide. I also found great inspiration in hearing from global leaders in librarianship—people who are shaping the future of our profession.
These experiences helped me reflect on how we can adapt international good practices to fit the context of libraries in the Philippines.
What fun activity/ tour did you enjoy most while attending the program?
Every library visit was memorable, but I especially enjoyed the library tours and our time at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, where we saw firsthand the impact of innovation and design in library spaces.
I also loved the cultural and personal connections we formed during our stay. Living together with other participants in the residence hall created a strong sense of community. We shared stories, laughter, and meals from our countries—it felt like a family away from home.
These moments taught me not just about global librarianship, but about empathy, adaptability, and friendship across cultures—lessons I carry with me in my leadership today.
What advice would you give someone who is considering applying for the program or someone who has been accepted into the program?
My advice is to embrace the entire experience with an open heart and mind. Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone—this program will challenge and change you in the best ways.
Be punctual and disciplined; respect the schedules and guidelines given by the Mortenson team because they are designed to help you make the most of your time. Build meaningful relationships with your classmates and mentors, as these connections will last a lifetime.
Learn to adapt quickly—to new environments, food, cultures, and ways of working. Even if you are a leader back home, be humble and ready to do things independently. There is no secretary or assistant waiting for you—so learn, explore, and act with initiative.
Lastly, prepare before you go. Research the libraries and places you’ll visit so you can connect your learnings to your own context. Most of all, enjoy every moment—the Mortenson experience will not only enhance your professional skills but will also shape your values, resilience, and global perspectives.
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Alumnus of the Month- September 2025
Liya Louis, 2024
Current Title, Place of work and Country
Library Systems, Data and Web Coordinator, Virginia Commonwealth University in Qatar (VCUarts Qatar), Qatar
Summary of your work duties and what do you enjoy most about being an LIS professional?
I support the day-to-day operations of VCUarts Qatar Libraries, with a focus on maintaining our unified resource management system to ensure discoverability and accessibility. I oversee the collation and compilation of library statistical data. I am dedicated to developing methods for collecting high-quality data that can be analyzed to improve resources and enhance service delivery. In addition, I serve as the Libraries’ website liaison to the IT and Communications departments, where I manage content updates and ensure the accuracy and relevance of our online information. I lead projects that enhance the usability and functionality of our Integrated Library System (ILS), and creating more efficient workflows. I’ve dedicated my time to projects that not only earned international recognition through conference selections, but also strengthened the growth and efficiency of our library services.
What is a current project you are working on right now?
I am currently working on an open access, AI-integrated metadata maker template series for non-bibliographic collections in art libraries. This research project, developed with support from an approved VCUarts Qatar grant, addresses the challenge of cataloguing materials that often fall outside traditional workflows, such as artists’ books, equipment, and material samples. By creating a scalable, customizable, and open access tool, this project empowers art libraries to enhance discovery, reduce cataloguing backlogs, and bring greater visibility to unconventional and underrepresented collections. Ultimately, it aims to demonstrate how AI can be ethically and inclusively integrated into cataloguing practice, while preserving cultural specificity and advancing accessibility. Also, I am in the process of developing an inventory system for the region’s only academic Materials Library, leveraging artificial intelligence to enhance organization and access.
What LIS related session/ topic(s) were most interesting/memorable for you when you attended the program?
Through the Mortenson Center program, I gained valuable insights from a global network of professionals and scholars who are driving change in the library field. Collaborating with and learning from these accomplished individuals has inspired me to apply innovative approaches to enhance the impact of libraries in Qatar. In particular, my current research on AI-integrated metadata maker templates is informed by the pioneering work developed at the University of Illinois Library. The visit to OCLC in Dublin, Ohio provided a deeper understanding of scalable systems that support library communities worldwide, while visits to libraries of diverse sizes and types enriched my perspective on adaptable services and practices.
What fun activity/ tour did you enjoy most while attending the program?
All the visits to the campus facilities, especially the one to CITL (Center for Teaching & Learning ) Innovation Lab at the University of Illinois Urbana Champaign and the opportunity to create a podcast with team members. One of the most enjoyable aspects was staying at the hostel with all the participants, which provided a wonderful opportunity for collaboration and networking. Even now, the group remains connected through an active WhatsApp chat where we continue to catch up and celebrate one another’s accomplishments
What advice would you give someone who is considering applying for the program or someone who has been accepted into the program?
I strongly encourage any library colleague to take full advantage of this unique international learning experience at the Mortenson Center. The program offers training for leadership and service assessment, valuable opportunities for blogging and professional reflection, and meaningful networking with colleagues from around the world. Most importantly, it allows participants to engage with diverse communities and collaborate with accomplished professionals who are leading change in the library field. These experiences not only broaden your perspective but also equip you with practical skills and insights that you can apply to your own library and community.
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Alumnus of the Month- August 2025
Nyakundi James Nyambane, 2024
Current Title, Place of work and Country
Head Librarian, Knowledge Empowering Youth Trust (KEY Libraries)., Kenya
Summary of your work duties and what do you enjoy most about being an LIS professional?
At KEY Trust, my core responsibilities involve capacity building for school libraries, developing strategic partnerships with communities and stakeholders, and designing programs that enhance access to inclusive, culturally relevant education. I support librarians and teachers in integrating library resources into the school environment, ensuring long-term impact on literacy, civic awareness, and personal development for students. What I find most fulfilling is the opportunity to empower young learners through access to knowledge. I enjoy collaborating with communities, nurturing partnerships, and creating sustainable library programs that spark curiosity, promote critical thinking, and help shape informed, confident youth ready to contribute positively to society.
What is a current project you are working on right now?
We are currently engaged in advancing international librarianship collaborations to address the long-standing neglect of school library spaces and the shortage of qualified school library professionals not just in Kenya but in Africa. Recognizing the systemic challenges, we have formed key academic partnerships to build capacity and promote global engagement in school librarianship.
- Online Training for School Librarians: In collaboration with San José State University (SJSU), KEY has developed an online professional development course tailored for school librarians in Kenya. This program aims to build foundational and context-relevant skills to strengthen library services in under-resourced schools.
- Research Collaboration: We are exploring collaborative research opportunities with library researchers from Purdue University. Discussions are underway regarding joint studies on school library impact and innovation in Digital literacy engagement.
- Study Abroad Program Development: We are actively developing a study abroad program that connects U.S. university students and faculty with Kenyan school libraries. This summer, we are hosting Dr. Mega Subramaniam from the University of Maryland and Dr. Anthony Chow from San José State University to co-design experiential learning opportunities and field-based engagement for future school librarian cohorts.
Through these collaborations, we are creating pathways to strengthen school library infrastructure, promote cross-cultural academic exchange, and professionalize school librarianship in Kenya and beyond.
What LIS related session/ topic(s) were most interesting/memorable for you when you attended the program?
One of the most memorable sessions was Dr. Mattson’s on digital citizenship, which reshaped how I view digital spaces and sparked deeper interest in the field. Clara’s focus on libraries and sustainable development and Peggy’s insights on self-care and information literacy were also impactful. Lisa Hinchliffe’s session on foresight strategies provided practical tools for long-term planning. Together, these sessions deepened my understanding of the evolving role of libraries and leadership in this space.
What fun activity/ tour did you enjoy most while attending the program?
One of the most enjoyable parts of the program was visiting OCLC in Dublin, Ohio, a global nonprofit supporting libraries through shared technology and research. It was the first time I came across what it means to have a failproof, Bulletproof back up! I also found the visit to Upshot Marketing in Chicago inspiring, especially hearing from Liz Aviles on strategy and cultural insights. Touring the University of Chicago’s Regenstein and Mansueto Libraries, including their digitization and conservation labs, was another highlight. These experiences enriched the program and showcased real-world library innovation. We had other fun activities like cooking together our cultural meals, doing evening walks around campus and sharing and learning from one another on their professional journeys.
What advice would you give someone who is considering applying for the program or someone who has been accepted into the program?
If you’re considering or have been accepted into the Mortenson Center Associates Program, my advice is to plan ahead, it’s an intensive and immersive experience. Arrange for someone to cover your work responsibilities so you can fully engage. Come prepared to learn, network, and collaborate with librarians from around the world. If possible, attend the ALA Annual Conference; it offers an invaluable opportunity to connect globally and is a powerful culmination of the program experience.
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Alumnus of the Month- July 2025
Dr. Chintan Pandya, 2024
Current Title, Place of work and Country
Librarian at MICA, India
Summary of your work duties and what do you enjoy most about being an LIS professional?
I feel privileged to serve as a librarian at one of India’s leading management institutes. In addition to managing library resources, I teach research methodology and actively provide value-added information and reference services to our users. Our goal is to empower students with the knowledge and support they need to succeed in their academic and professional journeys.
What is a current project you are working on right now?
At present, I am engaged in the development of an Institutional Research Data Management repository to support effective data curation and long-term accessibility.
What LIS related session/ topic(s) were most interesting/memorable for you when you attended the program?
I thoroughly enjoyed most of the sessions during the Associate Program. Among them, the sessions on Digital Citizenship and the Leadership Workshop stood out as particularly engaging and insightful. They offered fresh perspectives and practical tools that I found especially relevant and thought-provoking
What fun activity/ tour did you enjoy most while attending the program?
Chicago Public Library, University of Chicago Library and Ohio State University Library tours gave me a new approach of infrastructure and services.
What advice would you give someone who is considering applying for the program or someone who has been accepted into the program?
The Mortenson Center’s Associate Program for International Librarians is truly a lifelong learning experience for any library professional. It’s an opportunity that one must not miss. My advice to future participants is to make the most of your time, engage deeply with the program, build meaningful connections, and expand your professional network. Equally important is to immerse yourself in the local culture: observe the traditions, lifestyle, and people around you. This cultural experience is as enriching as the professional one.
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Alumnus of the Month- June 2025
Vafa Mammadova, 2024
Current Title, Place of work and Country
Senior Librarian, ADA University Library, Azerbaijan
Summary of your work duties and what do you enjoy most about being an LIS professional?
I am responsible for providing circulation and access services, coordinating library services for internal and external users, and supporting the development of digital and physical collections. I also work closely with faculty and students to advance the existing and initiate and design the new library services. One of my key roles involves planning outreach activities that promote the library’s role in sustainable development and innovation. I truly enjoy being an LIS professional because it allows me to empower users through access to knowledge and lifelong learning opportunities. The dynamic nature of librarianship, especially in an academic environment, means I am constantly growing and adapting. Most of all, I value the opportunity to contribute to the educational mission of my institution and to the broader goals of the global library community.
What is a current project you are working on right now?
Currently, I am working on compiling a Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) story for ADA University Library to be published on the IFLA Library Map of the World. This project highlights our library’s contributions to number of sustainable development goals. The process involves identifying relevant initiatives, collecting data and impact evidence, and drafting a compelling narrative aligned with IFLA’s guidelines. The goal is to showcase how libraries in Azerbaijan are advancing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. This project has been a meaningful opportunity to reflect on the library’s societal impact and our evolving role as change agents. It also helps strengthen the visibility of Azerbaijani libraries on the international stage.
The other project that I’ll be involved in upcoming 2 years’ period is related with my appointment as a member in the IFLA New Professionals Special Interest Group, which develops and delivers both actions and resources, as well as relevant standards and guidelines that drive change and contribute to individual and community development, promote best practices and support the professional development of young specialists.
What LIS related session/ topic(s) were most interesting/memorable for you when you attended the program?
The most memorable sessions for me during the Mortenson Center Associates Program was on DiSC Assessment, Change Management, AI & Libraries, GREAT Service, Libraries for Sustainable Development, Information Literacy Instruction, Library Assessment, Media Literacy, Digital Literacy and many more. I also found the sessions on leadership in libraries and trends in global librarianship particularly impactful. Learning about open science, inclusive services, and the evolving role of libraries in community development broadened my perspective. The diversity of topics and presenters—from both academia and practice—made the learning experience rich and applicable. These sessions continue to influence my professional thinking and projects back home.
What fun activity/ tour did you enjoy most while attending the program?
I especially enjoyed the architectural tour of the University of Illinois campus and the visit to the centers and libraries, especially workshops in the CITL and Siebel Center for Design and tours to the campus libraries and to the Urbana Free Library. It was fascinating to see how libraries in the U.S. are designed to be welcoming, innovative, and deeply embedded in community life. Another highlight was the field trips to Chicago, Dublin, Ohio, and Springfield, where we visited headquarters, world-class libraries, museums, such as the ALA Headquarter, OCLC Headquarter, University of Chicago Library and Chicago Public Library, Ohio State University Library, Westerville Public Library, Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, Amish Village and other places.
One of the memorable events of the program was the traditional Thanksgiving dinner organized by the distinguished members of the Altrusa International, a non-profit organization making the local communities better through leadership, partnership, and service. We were introduced the history of the Thanksgiving day, offered the traditional meals and desserts related with this holiday.
The cultural experiences, including shared meals and informal gatherings with other participants, made the entire program more enjoyable and meaningful. These activities helped foster lasting friendships and professional connections. Exploring new places while learning about different library systems was truly enriching.
What advice would you give someone who is considering applying for the program or someone who has been accepted into the program?
If you are considering applying to the Mortenson Center Associates Program, I highly encourage you to take the leap as it’s a transformative experience. Prepare to engage with librarians from all over the world and be open to new ideas, perspectives, and challenges. If you’ve already been accepted, take full advantage of every session, ask questions, and share your own experiences. Document your learning and think about how you can apply it back home. Also, don’t underestimate the value of networking—the connections you make can lead to collaborations and lifelong friendships. Above all, come with curiosity and an open heart; you will leave the program inspired and empowered.
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Alumnus of the Month- March 2025
Prince Dwomoh, 2024
Current Title, Place of work and Country
Principal Library Assistant, University of Ghana Library System (UGLS), Ghana
Summary of your work duties and what do you enjoy most about being an LIS professional?
I am currently stationed at the Institute of Statistical, Social, & Economic Research (ISSER) under the College of Humanities in the University of Ghana. I manage the ISSER Library. My main duties are to make the ISSER Library collection easily accessible by our students and other stakeholders and to ensure that the library is always conducive for research, teaching, and learning.
I enjoy the fact that the Library and Information Science (LIS) profession keeps advancing and as such LIS professionals must constantly update our competencies to stay relevant. What I enjoy the most is how users appreciate me whenever I am able to meet their information needs. The mentions in the acknowledgements of students’ dissertations motivates me a lot.
What is a current project you are working on right now?
My unit is a new library that was officially opened to users on December 5, 2024. I am currently processing our collection into the online public access catalogue of UGLS. The UGLS is also migrating from Sierra LMS to Folio, so I am participating in the training to familiarize with Folio in order to promptly process ISSER Library collection into this new system. I am also facilitating the addition of ISSER publications to AgEcon Search (a free-to-user Web library housed at the University of Minnesota.
What LIS related session/ topic(s) were most interesting/memorable for you when you attended the program?
The Media Literacy and Digital Citizenship session with Kristen Mattson, and the Libraries for Sustainable Development session with Clara Chu were the most interesting LIS related sessions for me when I attended the Associates Program. I learned from Kristen Mattson how as librarians we can lead the digital citizenship education and expose our users, especially the youth, to the skills needed to fully participate academically, socially, ethically, and politically in our rapidly evolving digital world. I barely anticipated the role of libraries in driving progress towards the UN SDGs. The session with Clara opened my eyes on how we can curate our resources to support the education of the Sustainable Development Goals. It was interesting to learn some new roles I can adopt as a librarian to help my communities meet the SDGs. At the end of the program, I was able to draft a Sustainable Development Chart for the UGLS. Clara urged all Associates to unite in information and act together in ways that will help our communities meet the SDGs.
What fun activity/ tour did you enjoy most while attending the program?
The fun activity I enjoyed the most was among ourselves as Associates at the Newman Hall. We often met in Chintan Pandya’s room at our leisure to have a drink and engage in some good fellowship. There were also times we all met at the kitchen to enjoy the meals prepared by each other. The tours I enjoyed the most were the trips to Arthur and Allerton Park.. It was fun waking up one morning, converging at our usual place, the bus arrives to pick us to the Amish Community in Arthur and the driver was Clara Chu. I was amazed to see the Director of the Mortenson Center herself driving us for that 2-hour journey.
What advice would you give someone who is considering applying for the program or someone who has been accepted into the program?
This program is hitherto the only one of its kind in the world for LIS professionals, and worth every penny. The program offers you the opportunity to engage with and learn from the expertise of international librarians. It is a great platform for professional networking. If you are passionate about Library and Information Science and considering applying for this program, I am here to tell you that it is worth pursuing.
If you have been accepted into the program, I say congratulations. Be prepared and willing to learn and share. Go into the program with open mindedness, ask questions when necessary, and take full advantage of the resources and network available. And you will never be the same LIS professional again after participating in this program.
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Alumnus of the Month- February 2025
Yunjin Choi, 2024
Current Title, Place of work and Country
Librarian, Seoul National University Library, South Korea
Summary of your work duties and what do you enjoy most about being an LIS professional?
I specialize in user education and research support services, helping faculty and students navigate academic resources and integrate AI into their research workflows. One of the most rewarding aspects of being an LIS professional is empowering researchers with the tools and knowledge they need to succeed. I also enjoy developing innovative instructional programs, especially those that bridge traditional and emerging technologies
What is a current project you are working on right now?
I recently developed a two-session AI utilization educational program, which received a high satisfaction rate among participants. Currently, I’m refining this program to make it more interactive and expanding it to include AI-enhanced literature reviews and research workflows using tools such as Consensus and Research Rabbit.
What LIS related session/ topic(s) were most interesting/memorable for you when you attended the program?
One of the most impactful sessions for me was Library Tours, which focused on examining how other institutions are organized and operated, understanding the roles of librarians, and considering what aspects our institution should benchmark.The insights I gained from subject librarians about research support strategies have significantly influenced how I structure my current education programs.
What fun activity/ tour did you enjoy most while attending the program?
I really enjoyed the university library tour, especially because it gave me an opportunity to deeply reflect on the direction my university library should take in the future. It was a great way to connect with fellow participants and see different aspects of library services in action..
What advice would you give someone who is considering applying for the program or someone who has been accepted into the program?
For those considering applying: If you’re passionate about library innovation and global best practices, this program is an attractive and inspiring opportunity to expand your knowledge and network with professionals from diverse backgrounds.
For those accepted: Be proactive in engaging with faculty and peers—ask questions, share your experiences, and don’t hesitate to explore topics outside your comfort zone. Also, take advantage of the library tours and networking events; they provide invaluable insights into different LIS practices worldwide.
※Thank you in korean, 감사합니다
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Alumnus of the Month- January 2025
Khadija Muhsin, 2024
Current Title, Place of work and Country
Director of Library Services Department, Mohammed bin Rashid Library – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Summary of your work duties and what do you enjoy most about being an LIS professional?
Managing 10 libraries / Overseeing 25 librarians / preparing work plans / raising library performance indicators / preparing studies in library science /ensuring benchmarking / reviewing best practices in the LIS field / Organizing cultural events and linking them to the objectives of libraries
.What is a current project you are working on right now?
I am currently working on developing a training plan to study the needs of librarians in collaboration with a “ Fulbright scholar from the American Cultural Attaché, and then doing the actual training for about a month,
I am also preparing a pilot study to receive children under the age of five in the library, as the library only allowed visits by children age five and above before. We will start with a sample of 10 children in the first stage, then increase it to 40 for the second stage.
What LIS related session/ topic(s) were most interesting/memorable for you when you attended the program?
- UN SDGs and the Link to Libraries
- Marketing for libraries
What fun activity/ tour did you enjoy most while attending the program?
Tours/visits to:
- CITL (Center for Teaching & Learning ) Innovation Lab at the University of Illinois- Urbana Champaign
- Urbana Free Public Library
- OCLC Organization in Dublin, Ohio
- ALA – American Library Association Headquarters in Chicago, Illinois
and others….
What advice would you give someone who is considering applying for the program or someone who has been accepted into the program?
I would strongly urge candidates to apply and join the valuable Mortenson Associates program. It is of great benefit, deep experiences, and quality visits included.
Be Mortenson’s ambassador to your country!
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Alumnus of the Month- July 2024
Florence Dedzoe-Dzokotoe Plockey, 2023
Current Place of work and title.
University Librarian, Accra Technical University
Summary of your work duties and what do you enjoy most about being an LIS professional?
My duties include facilitating the provision of educational materials, supporting research, organizing conferences and workshops for lecturers, maintaining a conducive learning environment, establishing local and international library networks, formulating and implementing library policies, managing library resources according to approved regulations, serving as part of the management team, and performing additional tasks as assigned by the Vice-Chancellor. I am passionate about the dynamism in the profession, particularly in utilizing PR and marketing strategies to showcase and advocate for the library profession, reaching out to clients by enhancing their capacity through information, AI, and digital literacy, and digitizing and preserving cultural Heritage.
What is a current project you are working on right now?
We are actively working on building the capacity of our patrons in the area of AI, helping them leverage artificial intelligence for research and academic purposes. Simultaneously, we are seeking both financial and strategic support for the development of our New Library project, which will serve as a modern, innovative space to further advance digital literacy, information accessibility, and community engagement.
What LIS related session/ topic(s) were most interesting/memorable for you when you attended the program?
During the visit to the Siebel Center for Design, the group engaged in a series of dynamic and thought-provoking activities that highlighted innovative approaches to design thinking and problem-solving. The center provided an inspiring space for exploring cutting-edge strategies in education and research, fostering creativity and collaboration.
A key highlight of the visit was the session led by Lisa Hinchliffe on Foresight strategies and techniques. Hinchliffe, her session offered profound insights into how foresight methods can be leveraged to anticipate future trends and challenges in education, technology, and library services.
What fun activity/ tour did you enjoy most while attending the program?
I thoroughly enjoyed every aspect of the experience, even though it was at times stressful: from the insightful tours of various libraries to the lively Friday night out. Each library visit offered a unique perspective on how different institutions manage their collections, engage their patrons, and incorporate technology to enhance user experience. Despite the packed schedule, these tours were both enlightening and inspiring, providing valuable takeaways for future projects.
The visit to the Amish community was particularly memorable. It provided a rare glimpse into a way of life centered on simplicity, tradition, and self-sufficiency. Exploring their culture, and learning about their values and craftsmanship was both fascinating and humbling. It was a refreshing break from the busyness of modern life, even though coordinating everything took effort.
Equally delightful was the visit to the garden. The serene beauty of the landscape, coupled with the rich variety of plants, made it a peaceful retreat. The calming atmosphere was a welcome contrast to the stressful moments throughout the trip.
What advice would you give someone who is considering applying for the program or someone who has been accepted into the program?
For those considering applying for the program, my advice is to go for it with confidence and curiosity. Be prepared to immerse yourself in a rich learning environment that will challenge and inspire you. The program is designed to broaden your perspective and enhance your skills, so approach it with an open mind. Don’t hesitate to ask questions or seek guidance from current participants or alumni to better understand the experience.
For those who have already been accepted into the program, congratulations! My advice is to prepare yourself for a transformative experience. Be open-minded. The program offers a wealth of learning opportunities, and you’ll be exposed to a variety of new ideas and perspectives. One of the most enriching aspects is the visits to different libraries, where you’ll gain valuable insights into how other institutions operate. These visits will provide you with practical ideas and strategies that you can implement in your own library setting.
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Alumnus of the Month- June 2024
Ulrike Junger, 2023
Current Place of work and title.
German National Library, Frankfurt and Leipzig, Germany
Head, Domain Acquisitions and Cataloging,
Summary of your work duties and what do you enjoy most about being an LIS professional?
I manage the Domain Acquisitions and Cataloging. The domain’s major tasks are fulfilling the German National Library’s legal collection mandate, cataloging the collection and the production of the German National Bibliography but also the development and management of or contribution to standards and procedures like automated cataloging, the Integrated Authority File or RDA.
As an LIS professional, I love that we deal with the world’s knowledge and that it is a profession that actively continues to develop itself, responding to societal and technical challenges and changes.
What is a current project you are working on right now?
The German National Library has been working on automated subject cataloging for more than decade now. We now will focus on the automated creation and management of descriptive metadata, this is a major strategic goal at the German National Library in the years to come.
What LIS related session/ topic(s) were most interesting/memorable for you when you attended the program?
Lisa Hinchliffe’s session on Foresight strategies and techniques left an especially strong impression as well as the activities at the Siebel Center for Design.
What fun activity/ tour did you enjoy most while attending the program?
I cannot pick out a particular one, because I enjoyed all the tours we took during the program and I learnt or experienced something new or interesting everywhere. Especially memorable is the visit to the Amish community (the combination of sticking to a traditional lifestyle and finding creative solutions for problems).
What advice would you give someone who is considering applying for the program or someone who has been accepted into the program?
For those who are considering applying for the program:
If you are interested and think that you could benefit from the program: just give it a try and apply! No matter where you are from, how old you are or what your current position is.
For those who have been accepted into the program:
Be curious and do not hesitate to ask all the questions that you would like to have an answer to. Look forward to meet many smart, interesting, friendly, wonderful colleagues.
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Alumnus of the Month- May 2024
Neveen Nagy Eid, 2023
Current Place of work and title.
Bibliotheca Alexandrina (BA), the New Library of Alexandria, Alexandria, Egypt
Website & Smart Applications Coordinator
What is a current project you are working on right now?
My job focuses on coordinating the requests of creation and/or updating of LS websites, software and/or applications between the Library Sector at the BA and our IT Sector. Additionally, I maintain the functionality of the website/software/application, keeping it up-to-date, and managing any other technical issues that may arise. I also create tutorials and deliver orientation sessions on the newly-published website/software/ application to my colleagues.
Currently, I’m working with others on the DAISY project where I prepare audio books and voice-record them to be available to our blind and visually-impaired patrons. Other projects I’m working on include finalizing ‘Callima’ website; a repository of the BA FAQs including an ‘Ask a Librarian’ service and finalizing the registration backend form of the ICIL-Africa 2024 conference to be hosted at our library in October 2024.
What LIS related session/ topic(s) were most interesting/memorable for you when you attended the program?
The ‘Everything DiSC Workplace’ workshop was really interesting and informative. Shirley Stelbrink’s amazing personality added a lot of fun to it as well. It is very important to grasp the different personalities of your team work members, get adaptive to each of their styles for the sake of better management of your work projects, and easy, smooth and fruitful communication among the team members.
The Grant Writing’ session by Anne Craig was interesting. It was the first time for me to attend a session about grant writing; knowing how to look for a grant, what mistakes to avoid while applying, what the grant reviewers look for in an application, etc.
The ‘Foresight Strategies/Techniques’ with Lisa Hinchliffe was a great session: It is very important to be fully aware what the challenges and trends going on currently in your field are, and accordingly set a 5-year plan for your work/institution.
The ‘Research Services/ Data management’ with Sandi Caldrone was great. As a highly-organized person, I like the idea that the University of Illinois Library offers Research Data Management training sessions and services to students teaching them how to manage their valuable research data, share them, keep them organized and maintain them in a secure place.
What fun activity/ tour did you enjoy most while attending the program?
The ‘Allerton Park & Retreat Center’ was really a needed calm break. The vast acres of green land, the bright colors of flowers, the huge trees, and the amazing lake was definitely a breathtaking scene and a lovely sanctuary!
My favorite tours were the ‘Champaign Public Library’, ‘Westerville Public Library’ and ‘Chicago Public Library’. Maybe I feel at home being at public libraries! I cannot forget the colorful design of the Champaign Public Library, the services of ‘Westerville Public Library’ provided specially to children and seniors, and the YOUmedia place in Chicago Public Library with the several tailored activities it encompasses to its teens
What advice would you give someone who is considering applying for the program or someone who has been accepted into the program?
For those who are considering applying for the program:
- Do not ever hesitate applying. It is a life-time experience! As Clara told us once, quoting a past associate feedback: “Life before Mortenson Center is different than life after Mortenson Center’.
- Set your goals to be open-minded, good to others, and benefit from every single thing you experience.
For those who have been accepted into the program:
- Taking notes constantly is essential.
- Ask all the questions that may cross your mind during the sessions and library visits; everyone there is so friendly and ready to help.
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Alumnus of the Month- April 2024
Thikra Alharbi, 2023
Current Place of work and title.
Librarian at King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Saudi Arabia, Jeddah
What is a current project you are working on right now?
Currently, I’m keen on studying societal trends in information consumption, or as I prefer to describe it, ” information lifestyle.” Nowadays, we no longer live without the constant influx of information, whether by our own choice or by algorithmic selection. Just as we engage in daily physical exercise and consume healthy food, understanding our information consumption habits and patterns is crucial for maintaining a balanced “information lifestyle.”
What LIS related session/ topic(s) were most interesting/memorable for you when you attended the program?
Two sessions profoundly impacted me, both revolving around the power of storytelling. Dr. Peggy Nzomo’s session, “Storytelling – COVID,” delved into how narratives can bridge gaps during challenging times like the pandemic. It illuminated how storytelling fosters empathy and community resilience, enriching my understanding of libraries as centers for shared experiences.
The second session, led by Ms. Kristin M, showcased the Westerville COVID-19 Memory Project at the Westerville Public Library. This initiative invites community members to contribute their pandemic experiences through various mediums like written stories, video, or audio recordings. By intertwining storytelling with preservation efforts, this project emphasizes how libraries serve as custodians of our collective memories.
These sessions underscored the transformative role of libraries as storytellers and guardians of community narratives. They inspired me to explore innovative ways to engage with my community, amplifying their voices and preserving their stories for future generations.
What fun activity/ tour did you enjoy most while attending the program?
One of the most memorable tours for me was the visit to the Amish community. This encounter left me profoundly grateful as it vividly illustrated the significance of social cohesion amidst diverse societal landscapes. Notably, we observed horse-drawn carriages alongside cars in the parking lot adjacent to the Arthur Public Library District.
As a humble librarian and a user of technology, I fall into the easy trap of learning stuff through the internet, not only books. Similarly, when I seek answers to questions like why my plants aren’t growing, I go to YouTube, while they rush to the library. The Amish rely on books as they don’t use technology.
This experience underscored the importance of libraries as cultural hubs that foster learning and community engagement, regardless of cultural backgrounds.
What advice would you give someone who is considering applying for the program or someone who has been accepted into the program?
Self-awareness of your identity as an information professional and the community you aim to serve. This awareness will serve as the foundation for your application to resonate with the program. Moreover, it will help you connect what you learn with your community and ask the right questions that align with their needs.
Finally, a practical piece of advice: planning meticulously and being proactive are key to experiencing the program. getting accepted is not the most challenging step, but being a part of it.
…Continued Excellence Worldwide…
Update on 2014 Associate Beba Stankovic
5/4/2016
Beba has been very busy since her time at the Mortenson Center, setting up a Youth Department at her home library in Pozarevac, Serbia and more recently, moderating the Forum Creative Europe 2016 – Public discussion and concluding remarks of the analysis of international cooperation potentials in the areas of literature and publishing.
Two of her abstracts have also been accepted at regional conferences in June, the Western Balkan Information Literacy Conference In Bosnia & Hercegovina, and DisCo 2016 in the Czech republic.
Update on 2015 Associate Cajetan Onyeneke
5/2/2016
2015 Mortenson Center Associate Cajetan Onyeneke will present a paper at the open session, Agricultural Libraries Special Interests Group, at the IFLA World Library and Information Congress in Columbus, Ohio.
Update on 2014 Associate Bhakti Gala
1/11/2016
Bhakti Gala continues her professional advancements in the new year as a member of the ALA IRRT Membership Committee 2015-16. She has written a short article, ‘The Advocacy Approach: Networking and Online Volunteering’ in International Leads with reference to the Mortenson Center program’s contribution to her volunteering activities. Congratulations, Bhakti!
http://www.ala.org/irrt/sites/ala.org.irrt/files/content/intlleads/leadsarchive/2015r.pdf
Update on 2014 Associate Beba Stankovic
11/23/2015
The Mortenson Center congratulates Beba Stankovic, 2014 Associate, who just oversaw the opening of a new Youth Department in the ‘Ilija M Petrovic’ Public Library in Pozarevac, Serbia.
A quote from Beba: “The same day after opening we had Creative Writing Workshop for students which was held by Miomir Petrovic PhD, dramatist and writer. It was very well attended and [the] Department is working now with full steam and with lot of new young patrons.”
Update on 2014 Associates Graciela Quesada Fernandez and Ramon Masis Rojas
8/5/2015
Two colleagues from the University of Costa Rica, Graciela Quesada Fernandez and Ramon Masis Rojas, attended the 2014 Associates program, which included a tour of the Champaign Urbana Fab Lab. Fernandez and Rojas are now leading the way toward building a fabrication laboratory at their university library. They hope to implement a partnership between the University of Costa Rica and the Mortenson Center for future collaboration.
Poster about the Mortenson Center by Fernandez and Rojas
Update on 2014 Associate Beba Stankovic
6/18/2015
Public librarian Beba Stankovic from Serbia was an Associate in 2014. After the program, Stankovic became very involved with the International Federation of Library Associations (IFLA). She attended an IFLA Congress, presented a poster session, “It’s Your Right to Know”, and organized three sessions for the IFLA Women, Information and Libraries Special Interest Group. At her home library, the Public Library ‘Ilija M. Petrovic’ Pozarevac, she helped to begin a new cycle of free courses on information literacy for retired patrons and just received money from the Serbian Ministry of Culture for a new Youth Department. Most recently, Stankovic was elected Vice President of the Serbian Library Association. She also received one of the most prestigious awards in Serbian librarianship, the “Djura Danicic” award, given by the Community of County Libraries together with National Library of Serbia.
Update on 2012 Associate Darya Bukhtoyarova
3/4/2015
2012 Associates Program alumna Darya Bukhtoyarova visited the Center as the senior manager of the Nazarbayev University (Kazakhstan) Library’s Patron Services department. In April 2014, she began a new job with Thompson Reuters as a customer education specialist, conducting workshops and training for librarians, graduate students and scientists. So far she has trained over 1,500 users in Kazakhstan, Russia and Kyrgyzstan in working with e-resources, publishing, and research evaluation.
Update on 2011 Associate Chinwe Anunobi
2/11/2015
Dr. Chinwe Anunobi attended the Mortenson Center’s 2011 Summer Associates program. Since then she has published many articles on information and communication technology (ICT) implementation in peer-reviewed journals. In 2013 she gave two sessions on community engagement at the Nigerian Library Association’s Library and Information Technology Today (LITT) National Workshop. She was recently appointed University Librarian of the Federal University of Technology Owerri, Nigeria.
Update on 2014 Associate Sher Afzal Khan
1/28/2015
As the Chief Librarian of Bahria University Islamabad Campus, Sher Afzal Khan (2014 Associate) helped to oversee an expanded search collaboration project among constituent libraries with the launch of a Union Catalog encompassing the collections of seven BU libraries. Khan led a 5-day workshop for university librarians on the software platform for the catalog entitled, “Integrated Library System: KOHA and Dspace.” Sher Afzal also won Second Prize and was the only library professional in Pakistan to receive the prize on the basis of TOP Institutional ATTEMPTS for the subject quiz in the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Quiz for Engineering and Technology 2013-14.
Read more about the BU Library’s other awards and accomplishments in the University’s Annual Report .
Update on 2014 Associate Anargul Essenaliyeva
1/14/2015
Mortenson Center alumna Anargul Essenaliyeva (2014 Associate, pictured at right) has conducted two presentations since her return home. One focused on her time at the Center and the other on cataloguing. She is currently writing an article on “Subject Headings” in Russian for the Kazakhstani Association of Libraries publication.
Update on 2012 Associate Deborah Eddy-Ugorji
1/7/2015
Deborah Eddy-Ugorji attended the 2012 Associates Program as the chief library officer at the National Library of Nigeria, Lagos. Since then, she wrote a book about her Mortenson Center experience and single-handedly set up a new, internet-based library at Peaklane College Akute, Ogun State, Nigeria.
Update on 2011 Associate Gimena Campos Cervera Bustos
12/15/2014
Gimena Campos Cervera Bustos (pictured far right), Senior Researcher at the U.S. Embassy to Italy, has written prodigiously since her Mortenson Center program in 2011. Her articles have appeared on the Special Libraries Association (SLA) Europe and the Italian Library Association websites.
She has organized a series of annual events on the future of libraries in the 21st century: Modern Leonardos. In 2013, she coordinated the opening of the first digital maker space in an Italian library: YouLab Pistoia at the library of San Giorgio di Pistoia (Tuscany). In fact, Cervera recently gave a presentation on her experience with YouLab Pistoia at this year’s Internet Library International (ILI) conference.
Read More about Gimena’s work in Italy
2011 Associates Graduation
Update on 2013 Associates Raja Muhammad Ibrahim and Muhammad Idrees
11/26/2014
2013 Associates Raja Muhammad Ibrahim (pictured) and Muhammad Idrees from the COMSATS Institute of Information Technology (CIIT) in Islamabad, Pakistan have updated their library’s website to include a live chat service for providing real time assistance. They are also in the planning stages of adding a remote storage facility and gift shop to their library at CIIT. More recently, Raja Muhammad was elected as President of the Pakistan Library Association (HQ).
Update on 2012 Associate Christelle Lubbe
11/12/2014
2012 Associate Christelle Lubbe returned to the City of Cape Town Library in South Africa and implemented many new services for her patrons. The library now has a takeaway service for quick check-outs and returns, an updated young adult section with new programming and collections, and a variety of outreach endeavors to underserved groups. Christelle has also kept busy presenting papers at Library and Information Association of South Africa ( LIASA ) conferences and taking on leadership roles within the organization’s Western Cape Public and Community Library Interest Group (PACLIG).
View “The B-Zone” Young Adult library space upgrade PowerPoint
Update on 2013 Associate Erica Saito
11/05/2014
2013 Associate Erica Saito moved from Brazil to the United States, where she still works as a librarian in Washington, D.C. After her Mortenson Center program, she gave a presentation about her experience to colleagues at Sao Paulo University. She also published a paper on cloud computing in Brazilian libraries in the IFLA July 2014 newsletter, TILT .
(Picture on left: Erica Saito gives a presentation at Sao Paolo University about her Mortenson Center Program.)
Update on 2011 Associate Heba Mohamed Ismail
10/29/2014
Heba Mohamed Ismail (2011 Associate) presented a poster session with her colleague Rasha Essmat entitled, “ICS: A Success Story” at the 2011 American Library Association annual conference about their work with the Integrated Care Society (ICS) and the damage to its libraries during the Egyptian revolution. Since then she has continued her studies and in 2013 won the Honor Award from the Arab Federation for Libraries and Information (AFLI) in recognition of her accomplishments. She won yet another award this year from the U.S. Embassy in Cairo in recognition of her ongoing civic engagement (pictured on left).
Update on 2014 Associate Dr. Kishor Satpathy
10/22/2014
2014 Mortenson Center Associate Dr. Kishor Satpathy of the National Institute of Technology, Silchar (NITS) has been very busy since he left the Center in June. He wrote a book entitled, “E-Learning & Information Literacy – The Changing Role of Librarian” and oversaw the initiation of a central library volunteer program designed to involve the institute’s students in library developmental activities.Dr. Satpathy is organizing the “What’s Next in Libraries? Trends, Space and Partnerships” conference that will be held on 21-23 January, 2015 on the NITS campus, in Assam, India. The conference will feature speakers from the Mortenson Center and U of I Library technology and facilities experts. Conference Blog