Other Events

Upcoming/2023 Events
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Making a Difference with School Libraries in Kenya - Opportunities and Impact | June 27
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The Mortenson Center for International Programs welcomes members of the KEY (Knowledge Empowers Youth) School Libraries leadership team to the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and…

…INVITES YOU to learn about KEY School Libraries in Kenya, opportunities to volunteer, and making an impact. 

WHEN: Tuesday, June 27, 2023; 12:30-1:30:pm
WHERE: Main Library, Room 106 (1408 W. Gregory Dr.; Urbana, IL 61801)

SPEAKERS:
James Nyambane Nyakundi, Head Librarian
Gladys Kerich, Programs Manager
Christine Aretha Kambe Simani, Project Coordinator

        

DESCRIPTION:
For more than 15 years, Knowledge Empowering Youth (KEY), a Canadian-Kenyan registered NGO, has driven meaningful change in Kenya’s education system by providing fully functioning school libraries in Kenya. Its vision is that every school-aged child has access to the resources of a library because it is key to a child’s progress and potential, regardless of the child’s background. Their award-winning network of 43 primary and secondary school libraries are making a difference across twelve counties in Kenya in rural and urban environments in the lives of underserved children, including refugees. They have influenced Kenyan national policy on school libraries as anchors for learning and student achievement. Hear their inspiring story of achievement and discuss the opportunities to volunteer and collaborate in developing these transformative school libraries.

Join us to learn:

  • the situation of school libraries nationally in Kenya and how an NGO is making an impact with number of active transformative school libraries, and on national policy.
  • the challenges for students, schools and libraries in Kenya to be able to compare with experiences in the United States.
  • ways to volunteer in Kenya and provide mentoring, training, and support for colleagues staffing KEY school libraries in Kenya.

Read more about KEY School Libraries at: https://keylibraries.org/ AND the Mortenson Center for International Library Programs at: https://www.library.illinois.edu/mortenson/

Brown Bag discussion with Mark Mattson on libraries and global engagement | April 3
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Please join us for a brown bag discussion with Mark Mattson to discuss libraries and global engagement at universities and the American Library Association

Monday, April 3, 2023; 12-1pm — Main Library, Room 309

The Mortenson Center for International Library Programs is hosting Mark Mattson, Head of Global Engagement Initiatives and International Partnerships Librarian at Penn State University for a visit on campus to discuss collaboration with our center and library colleagues on April 3-4, 2023. He’s interested in meeting people to learn about international library programs and activities at our university, and discussing potential collaboration related to his work on global engagement and/or ALA’s International Relations Round Table. In addition to the brown bag discussion, if you wish to meet him individually, please email mortenson@illinois.edu

Bio:

Mark Mattson is Head of Global Engagement Initiatives and International Partnerships Librarian at Penn State University Libraries, and Chair-Elect of the International Relations Round Table of the American Library Association. In this role, he creates an inclusive environment for international students and scholars, and advances Penn State’s Global Engagement Network by establishing international sister-library partnerships in support of larger institutional collaborations. Under his leadership, the Libraries has created the International Visiting Scholars Program, and developed intercultural programming events to foster global citizenship, such as international guest speakers, globally focused film screenings, cultural fairs, book clubs and exhibits. His work to create a welcoming environment for international students has included a student needs assessment, the creation of multilingual library signage, the appointment of a student liaison librarian, and the implementation of the international student personal librarian program. In 2021, he received the APLU Malone International Leadership Award.  Read more about Mark here: https://sites.psu.edu/globalalumni/2022/03/14/mark-mattson-people-at-penn-state/

Information Action Briefs (IABs) Workshop - Acting to Advance the UN Sustainable Development Goals | April 1
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Join The Mortenson Center for International Library Programs and the ALA Student Chapter, Illinois iSchool, for a hybrid workshop on advancing the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. 
April 1, 2023; 9am-3pm Central Time (Chicago) <Use https://www.worldtimebuddy.com/ to check your local time>
FREE and open to all – Hybrid format
REGISTER for in-person AND Zoom attendance at https://go.illinois.edu/iab
Location for in-person attendance (Lunch provided; bring your laptop): Siebel Design Center, Room 1002 (1208 S. 4th St, Champaign, IL 61820)
Facilitators:
Clara M Chu, Ph.D., Director and Mortenson Distinguished Professor
Mortenson Center for International Library Programs, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Kendra S. Albright, Ph.D., Goodyear Endowed Professor in Knowledge Management
School of Information, Kent State University
The United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals are a set of 17 objectives designed to advance peace, sustainability, and equity “for people and the planet, now and into the future”. From poverty reduction to gender equality and climate action to strong institutions, the SDGs cover a wide range of issues, all working to make the world a better place. At the workshop you will be given an overview of the Sustainable Development Goals and then form groups or work independently to write an Information Action Brief (IAB) for an SDG of your choosing.
The IAB is a resource guide to implement transformational actions using information to advance the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It addresses: What is our goal? Why should we care? How is this related to information? What can I (or the profession) do?, and includes an infographic to offer a visual representation of that SDG. The IAB is designed to inspire and mobilize the library and information community to act locally or globally, personally or collectively.
With the target date of 2030, we now have less than a decade left to reach the goals! Join us for this workshop as we work together to advance the SDGs engaging library and information professionals.
Mobilizing Libraries for Sustainable Development: A Website and Information Action Briefs | March 9
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Join us for a webinar as the Mortenson Center for International Library Programs launches the Libraries for Sustainable Development (LSD) website and Information Action Briefs (IABs).

March 9, 2023; 4-5pm Central Time (Chicago) <Check your local time here>

   

Panelists:
Kendra Albright, Kent State University
Clara M. Chu, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Jia Tina Du, University of South Australia
Bharat Mehra, University of Alabama
Mark Allen Mattson, Penn State University
Gillian Oliver, Monash University

The Libraries for Sustainable Development (LSD) website was created to feature and bring together information to act on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and sustainable development, in general. The LSD website hosts the Information Action Briefs (IABs), published by the Mortenson Center, and is a portal to learn about actions being taken by library and information organizations and resources for libraries worldwide to advance the UN SDGs. We have less than a decade to deliver the Goals!

The IAB is a resource guide to implement transformational actions using information to advance the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It addresses: What is our goal? Why should we care? How is this related to information? What can I (or the profession) do?, and includes an infographic to offer a visual representation of that SDG. The IAB is designed to inspire and mobilize the library and information community to act locally or globally, personally or collectively,

At the webinar, you will be introduced to the LSD website and IABs, hear from the team and authors who created the IABs, and be invited to a future workshop to author an IAB.

For more information, see:| https://www.library.illinois.edu/mortenson/ or contact Jess Rogovin jrogovin@illinois.edu

Afghan Women Speak: Voices from Within and Beyond | March 9
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You are invited to AND requested to help spread the word about an online conference on
Afghan Women Speak: Voices from Within and Beyond
March 9, 2023; 11:00 am – 2:00 pm PST [9 am-12 pm PST / 5-8 pm UK / 9:30-12:30 pm Kabul time / 4-7 am Melbourne+1 day]
–  FREE and open to all
The Taliban returned to power in Afghanistan in August 2021, and since then, women have been largely banished from public life. As those inside and outside the country grapple with this new reality and contemplate what the future may hold, we invite you to join us for a conversation with a group of Afghan women who will draw from their own writing, research, public and library service, and activism to reflect on the current state of affairs and consider what lies ahead.
This event is a unique opportunity to hear our presenters, academics, and activists, speak about the situation in contemporary Afghanistan, the voices of women from Afghanistan and their quest for social justice and equality in current circumstances. We will commemorate International Women’s Day (March 8th) by holding this conference on March 9th.
Organizing Committee
Dr. Omar Sharifi (AIAS)
Dr. Dipali Mukhopadhyay (Hubert H. Humphrey School of Public Affairs, University of Minnesota)
Dr. Liladhar R. Pendse (Wayne State University)
PAST 2022 EVENTS
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32nd Annual Mortenson Center Distinguished Lecture with Mike Thomson | September 21
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Please visit https://www.library.illinois.edu/mortenson/lectures/ for up-to-date information! 
MINITALK - Libraries & Crisis / Noah Lenstra on Putting Community First | August 27
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This semester’s weekly minitalks at the Illinois School of Information Sciences, with the Mortenson Center for International Library Programs, focus on Libraries and Crisis.  What does it look like?  How are libraries facing the situation?  Speakers will include researchers, librarians, and students from the US and elsewhere.  Most talks are Saturdays 11:30-noon central time.  For a full schedule, see http://publish.illinois.edu/minitalks/events.

This Saturday, August 27, 11:30-Noon, our first speaker is Noah Lenstra (PhD Illinois), Associate Professor, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, on Putting Community First: A Crisis in Public Librarianship

Join us: https://illinois.zoom.us/j/86107561276?pwd=UThtMUxYNXQzcE90d1RFcUZzUWFZQT09

Kate Williams and Clara M. Chu (Mortenson Center for International Library Programs) have organized the Libraries, Literatures and Literacies Minitalks for eight semesters now.  All interested parties are warmly encouraged to attend!

Chai Wai Presentation & Mortenson Center Associates Graduation Ceremony | June 21
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Join us for a Chai Wai presentation on Leadership and Innovation in Libraries Across the Globe and for the Mortenson Center Associates Graduation Ceremony

21 June 2022
Main Library, 1408 W. Gregory Drive, Urbana, Room 106
11:00am-12:15pm – Chai Wai presentation
12:15pm-1:00pm – Graduation ceremony

The Chai Wai event will include presentations by library and information specialists in the 2022 Mortenson Center Associates Program. Come meet international librarians from Ghana, Japan, Republic of Korea, Kuwait, Malawi, Oman, Pakistan, and South Africa, hear their presentations and celebrate their graduation.

Tea and refreshments will be served.

CO-SPONSORS:
Mortenson Center for International Library Programs
UNESCO Center for Global Citizenship
University of Illinois International Area Studies Library

Flyer: (JPG)  

'Engineering Change in Libraries: A Pathway for Meaningful Action' with Agnes Kaposi | The Lecture 2021.11.8 | The Workshops - various dates in 2022
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Engineering Change in Libraries: A Pathway for Meaningful Action

Is your library wanting to build community?

Join colleagues from around the world in learning and planning globally to create change locally.

The aim of Engineering Change in Libraries is to understand the Other and mobilize our libraries to provide more effective and equitable services and programs to underserved communities. Inspired by Dr. Agnes Kaposi, a catalyst for change and 31st Annual Mortenson Distinguished Lecture, Engineering Change is organized into two components: (1) the lecture (setting the context) and (2) a two-session workshop for library staff and stakeholders to engineer change in libraries in a process of understanding the Other and planning globally to create change locally.

THE LECTURE – November 8, 2021.  See: https://www.library.illinois.edu/mortenson/lectures/
-A 30th Anniversary Celebration event: https://www.library.illinois.edu/mortenson/30th-anniversary/

THE WORKSHOPS

  • Inaugural Workshop on Dislocation
    Feb 15, 2022; 8:00-9:30 am CT session 1 <RECORDING> | March 15, 8:00-9:30 am CT open consultation | April 19, 8:00-9:30 am CT session 2
  • Workshop on Propaganda
    March 1, 2022; 4:00-5:30 pm CT session 1 <RECORDING>| April 5, 4:00-5:30 pm CT open consultation | May 3, 4:00-5:30 pm CT session 2


For details, see Engineering Change in Libraries webpage. 

'Incomprehension Workshop with Ann Morgan | May 3
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Incomprehension Workshop with Ann Morgan  (UK-based author and literary explorer)
Tuesday, May 3, 2022, 10:00 am-11:30 am Chicago, USA Central Time (4:00pm-5:30pm London), online event
Ann Morgan, the 26th Annual Mortenson Distinguished Lecturer (2016), UK-based author, editor, literary explorer, TED speaker, and Royal Literary Fund fellow.

Event Description: An interactive online session exploring how embracing not knowing and focusing on the things we don’t understand in a text can enrich and broaden our relationship with reading, culture and ourselves. It draws on an approach to reading developed during Ann Morgan’s 2012 quest to read a book from every country (https://ayearofreadingtheworld.com).

Biography: Ann Morgan is an author and editor based in Folkestone, UK. In 2012, she set herself the challenge of reading a book from every country in a year, recording her quest on the blog ayearofreadingtheworld.com. The project caught the imagination of readers around the globe, many of whom continue to correspond with her about books. In addition to widespread international media coverage, the quest led to a TED talk with more than 1.8 million views and the non-fiction book Reading the World. Nearly ten years after her original quest, Ann continues to blog, write and speak about international literature, as well as building a career as a novelist. Her debut novel, Beside Myself, has been translated into eight languages and optioned for TV. Her next novel, Crossing Over, was published as an Audible Exclusive in 2019. She is Literary Explorer in Residence of the Cheltenham Literature Festival for 2022 and 2023. 

For more information, please visit:

Flyer: PNG | PDF  |  Recording 

'Sankofa Black Studies / Diasporic Futures: A global conversation among information scholars' A Presentation and critical engagement of the book: The History of Black Studies by Abdul Alkalimat (Pluto Press 2021) | March 23
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Sankofa Black Studies / Diasporic Futures: A global conversation among information scholars – A Presentation and critical engagement of the book: The History of Black Studies by Abdul Alkalimat (Pluto Press 2021)
Wednesday, March 23, 2022, 11:00 am-12:30 pm USA Central Time, online event

Speakers:
Abdul Alkalimat, Professor Emeritus, Department of African American Studies and School of Information Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Paulette Kerr, Campus Librarian, University of the West Indies Mona, Jamaica
Archie Dick, Professor Emeritus, Department of Information Science, University of Pretoria, South Africa

Moderator:
Rebecca Hankins, Wendler Endowed Professor, Texas A&M University Libraries

Book:
The History of Black Studies by Abdul Alkalimat (Pluto Press 2021)
Book available from Pluto Books (30% discount with code ALKALIMAT30)

Sponsors:
Mortenson Center for International Library Programs
Department of African American Studies
School of Information Sciences
Center for Advanced Studies
Collaborative for Cultural Heritage Management and Policy
Center for African Studies
Center for Latin American and Caribbean Studies

FlyerRecording


Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Libraries: Training for Innovation | December 8
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Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Libraries: Training for Innovation
Wednesday, Dec. 8, 2021, 7:30–9:00 p.m., Makkah time (GMT+3)


Webinar Description:

The Naseej Academy and the Mortenson Center for International Library Programs would like to invite you to register for an upcoming webinar, entitled “Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Libraries: Training for Innovation”, co-presented by Clara M. Chu (Director and Mortenson Center for International Library Programs) about the Mortenson Center’s collaborative project on the IDEA Institute on AI.

The objectives of the webinar are to:
• introduce AI in libraries
• describe the IDEA Institute on AI and its contribution to providing professional, innovative training in AI to library and other information professionals
• understand challenges and opportunities in implementing AI in libraries based on real-world experiences of the first cohort of Institute Fellows
• consider equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility issues, and ethical questions, in AI implementation.

Speakers:
Dr. Clara M. Chu, Director and Mortenson Distinguished Professor, Mortenson Center for International Library Programs, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, IL.
Dr. Dania Bilal, Professor, School of Information Sciences at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, TN.

For more information, visit: https://www.library.illinois.edu/mortenson/idea-institute-on-artificial-intelligence/

Flyer  |  Recording Link

Gigabit Libraries International Workshop | January 19
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Gigabit Libraries International Workshop
January 19, 2022, 8:00 am Central Time (US)

Workshop Description:
A follow-up interactive, hands-on session to the “Gigabit Libraries and Beyond: Improving Broadband Access Worldwide” Webinar, held on October 19, 2021, for participants to virtually “workshop” possible approaches to localizing the toolkit for communities across the globe. Participants will engage in interactive activities including creating a network diagram, a demonstration of a WiFi stumbler, and break into groups to discuss strategies to localize the toolkit across the globe.

To prepare for the workshop, please watch the short explanatory video, if you have not attended the October 19th webinar or watched the webinar recording.

Facilitators:
Carson Block (carson@carsonblock.com) has led, managed, and supported library technology efforts for more than 25 years. He brings a user-centered technological perspective, with an emphasis on transparent and powerful solutions, with some “gee whiz” thrown into the mix. Carson’s passions include leading technology visioning and planning, creating highly-functional work groups, technical design (including infrastructure, RFID, and points of self-service), and project management with a focus on technology solutions tailored for each library and its community.
Stephanie Stenberg (sstenberg@internet2.edu) is Director of the Internet2 Community Anchor Program, where she works with regional networking partners, community anchor institutions, and Internet2 membership organizations to support mutually beneficial goals of bringing networking, trust and identity services, and advanced applications to community anchor institutions nationwide. Since joining Internet2 in 2018, she has been part of three Institute of Museum and Library Services-funded grant projects focused on libraries and connectivity.

Sponsored by: International Sustainable Library Development (ISLD) Interest Group of the ALA International Relations Round Table, Mortenson Center of International Library Programs, and Gigabit Libraries.

Toolkit Link  |  Flyers: JPG, PDF  |  Recording: Coming Soon!

WEBINAR handouts:

PAST 2021 EVENTS
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Gigabit Libraries and Beyond: Improving Broadband Access Worldwide | October 19
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Gigabit Libraries and Beyond: Improving Broadband Access Worldwide
October 19, 2021, 8:00-9:15 am CT

Webinar Description: 
Libraries worldwide are a key resource in supporting and providing broadband access to their communities, which continue to experience inequitable access to the internet and information and communication technologies (ICTs). The Toward Gigabit Libraries toolkit is a free, self-service guide created to help libraries understand and improve their IT capacities and broadband resources. Join this webinar that will first introduce internet access globally and the role of libraries in providing internet access, followed by an interactive discussion on IT and broadband challenges your libraries face and learn about how the toolkit can help libraries beyond the US, understand and address them. While the toolkit was originally created for United States libraries, this session will focus on areas that can be applied and adapted to an international audience. Participants are encouraged to describe their technology challenges and work with the facilitators and other attendees to seek solutions.

Prior to attending the session, attendees can download and review a free version of the Toward Gigabit Libraries Toolkit and also watch the short explanatory video on the site:
Resources:
Toward Gigabit Libraries Toolkit
The Toward Gigabit Libraries Toolkit and Broadband Improvement Plan – Stephanie Stenberg, Director, Internet2 Community Anchor Program and Carson Block, Library Technology Consultant, Carson Block Consulting, Inc. (PDF file, 890 GB)
Gigabit Libraries and Beyond: Improving Broadband Access Worldwide – B. Shadrach, International consultant with BS Consulting. (PDF file, 1.1 MB)

A follow-up interactive, hands-on session is scheduled on January 19, 2022; 8-10 am CT for participants to virtually “workshop” possible approaches to localizing the toolkit for communities across the globe.

Speakers: 
Carson Block (carson@carsonblock.com) has led, managed, and supported library technology efforts for more than 25 years. He brings a user-centered technological perspective, with an emphasis on transparent and powerful solutions, with some “gee whiz” thrown into the mix. Carson’s passions include leading technology visioning and planning, creating highly-functional work groups, technical design (including infrastructure, RFID, and points of self-service), and project management with a focus on technology solutions tailored for each library and its community.
B. Shadrach (shaddy.shadrach@gmail.com) is an international consultant with BS Consulting and holds a PhD in Information Science from Loughborough University, UK (2003), with a specialization in Rural Informatics. He understands the rights-based processes involved in pro-poor information and knowledge systems at the grassroots level, and addresses the challenges of broadband access and affordable ICTs in the developing world. He has worked as CEO of large international and regional organizations, and pioneered programs and innovation.
Stephanie Stenberg (sstenberg@internet2.edu) is Director of the Internet2 Community Anchor Program, where she works with regional networking partners, community anchor institutions, and Internet2 membership organizations to support mutually beneficial goals of bringing networking, trust and identity services, and advanced applications to community anchor institutions nationwide. Since joining Internet2 in 2018, she has been part of three Institute of Museum and Library Services-funded grant projects focused on libraries and connectivity.

Sponsored by: International Sustainable Library Development (ISLD) Interest Group of the ALA International Relations Round Table, Mortenson Center of International Library Programs, and Gigabit Libraries.

Flyer: (PDF) (JPG)  |  PowerPoint Presentations: B. Shadrach, Stephanie Stenberg  | Recording

Libraries recovering better for an equitable, sustainable and peaceful world | September 21
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September 21, 2021; 12:00-1:15pm CT (Chicago)
Libraries recovering better for an equitable, sustainable and peaceful world (A Welcoming Week Online Panel Discussion)

Speakers:
Elizabeth Pierre-Louis Augustin, Program Director, Fondation Connaissance et Liberté – FOKAL (Haiti)
Ana María Talavera Ibarra, Professor, Information Sciences Program, Pontifical Catholic University of Peru (Peru)

Moderator:
Clara M. Chu, Director and Distinguished Professor, Mortenson Center for International Library Programs, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Summary: As the world recovers from the pandemic, the recovery process is unequal. Libraries can take action by sharing best practices to lead and support local needs across the globe. In their role as community hubs, all libraries contribute to their communities to recover better for a more equitable, sustainable and peaceful world. Since launching the Libraries for Peace Initiative in 2016, the Mortenson Center for International Library Programs has invited the library and information community to celebrate Libraries for Peace (L4P) Day as the world community observes International Day of Peace on September 21 every year. In celebration of the United Nations’ 2021 theme “Recovering better for an equitable and sustainable world” and the Mortenson Center’s 30th anniversary, we invite you to celebrate peace by providing information on protecting communities against the coronavirus variants, promoting the right to health information and preservation of traditional medicine, combatting acts of hate online and offline, and providing spaces that foster community engagement and understanding.

In this webinar, speakers will present how libraries in their countries can recover better for an equitable, sustainable and peaceful world from a time of difficulty, not only because of the pandemic but political instability, economic insecurity, and environmental hazards. The presentations will be followed by a panel conversation and Q&A with the audience.

For more information: https://librariesforpeace.org/l4pday/2021-2/.
A webinar in celebration of the Mortenson Center’s 30th Anniversary.

Flyer: (PDF) (JPG) |  Recording

Food Culture from Near and Far: Stories of Identity and Belonging (A Welcoming Week Online Panel Discussion)
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Thursday, September 16, 2021; 7:00-8:15 pm
Food Culture from Near and Far: Stories of Identity and Belonging (A Welcoming Week Online Panel Discussion)

Panelists:
Mubanga Chanda
, Stango, Chef/Co-Owner of Stango Cuisine
Julianna Jung
, Home Baker and 2020 winner of The Food Network Holiday Baking Championship
Jackie Aguilar, El Paraiso, Co-Owner of El Paraiso

Moderator:
Merin Oleschuk
, Assistant Professor, Human Development and Family Studies, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Abstract: The Mortenson Center for International Library Programs (University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Library) and the UNESCO Center for Global Citizenship invite you to a virtual dialogue by Champaign-Urbana (CU) residents, who have made CU home and introduced their culinary knowledge and skills to the community. The dialogue will be based on food culture to understand the attitudes, beliefs and practices that surround the production and consumption of food. The focus will be on ethnic food culture which embodies our ethnicity and cultural heritage, shapes our identity, fosters a sense of belonging, and provides a medium for communicating and engaging both within and outside our families and communities. The session will begin with a panel discussion, then we welcome attendees to engage by asking questions, and sharing their association of food with their identity and sense of belonging.

Co-sponsors: Mortenson Center for International Library Programs and UNESCO Center for Global Citizenship

This is a Welcoming Week 2021 event of Champaign County:  https://universityymca.org/welcome/ww21/.  For more information, please see the Mortenson Center and Unesco Center for Global Citizenship Facebook pages.

Flyer (JPG) (PDF) | Recording

Library Services to Refugees during the COVID-19 Pandemic (A Webinar) | June 18
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June 18, 2021, 12:00-1:15pm Central Time
Library Services to Refugees during the COVID-19 Pandemic (A Webinar)

Speakers:
Elsa Ngan, Senior Services Specialist, Multicultural Services, Toronto Public Library
Julie Robinson, Refugee & Immigrant Services & Empowerment Outreach Manager, The Kansas City Public Library
Marcelo Rodríguez, Foreign, Comparative and International Law Librarian, Daniel F. Cracchiolo Law Library, University of Arizona

Moderator:
Clara M. Chu, Director, Mortenson Center for International Library Programs, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Library

Abstract: The COVID-19 pandemic has created challenges for communities worldwide and the libraries that serve them. Libraries have had to pivot to ensure the safety of their staff and users while continuing to provide accessible and safe services. How have libraries specifically responded to serve refugees and how are they planning to transition to offer welcoming spaces and services for refugees post-pandemic? The webinar will present the experiences of libraries in and outside the United States serving refugees, and policies implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic that have impacted the welfare of refugees and asylum seekers. The webinar addresses the 2021 World Refugee Day theme: Together we heal, learn and shine.

Co-sponsors: Mortenson Center for International Library Programs, ALA Office for Diversity, Literary and Outreach Services, and ALA International Relations Office.

For more information, visit: https://publish.illinois.edu/projectwelcome/world-refugee-day/world-refugee-day-2021/

Flyer |  Recording 

From Practitioner to Author: Opportunities for Journal Publishing in Library Trends and Beyond | April 7
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April 7, 2021, 7:30-9:00 pm Riyadh [11:30am-1:00pm CT Chicago]
From Practitioner to Author: Opportunities for Journal Publishing in Library Trends and Beyond

Description:
Library and information specialists are not only consumers of information but they also play an important role in creating content. Journal articles are one form of content that contributes to enhancing practice, education and research. Do you want to publish your first journal article or improve your publishing output? The Naseej Academy and Mortenson Center for International Library Programs will present a 1.5-hour webinar for library and information specialists on getting a journal article published, with a focus on the experiences and guidelines of Library Trends. https://www.press.jhu.edu/journals/library-trends  Webinar attendees will receive a 20% discount on a journal subscription.

Speakers:
Clara M. Chu, Director and Mortenson Distinguished Professor, Mortenson Center for International Library Programs, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Jaya Raju, Professor and Head of the Department of Knowledge and Information Stewardship, Humanities Faculty, University of Cape Town

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Join us for our Feedback Forum regarding the IFLA BSLISE Guidelines! | March 3-31
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Join us for our Feedback Forum regarding the IFLA BSLISE Guidelines!
The IFLA Building Strong LIS Education Working Group invites the library and information science (LIS)  community to provide feedback on the draft IFLA Guidelines for Professional Library and Information Science (LIS) Education Programmes by completing a feedback form AND/OR attending an online forum. The Guidelines serve as a framework for LIS education programmes and assist stakeholders in planning, developing and assessing the quality of LIS education and identify the knowledge areas an LIS professional should have to practice and continue to develop. It has been created to be applicable at any level of higher education.

We would appreciate commentary (e.g., strengths, gaps, etc.) on each section of the Guidelines, its use as a tool for the development of quality in LIS education, and its potential for adoption, support, or promotion to enhance the quality of LIS education locally and globally.

Join us at our online feedback forums. Each session, which will use the same format and content, has been designed for accessibility by regions, time zone and language.

March 2021 event dates:

March 3, 12pm CT (Chicago) – Americas (ENGLISH) – Moderated by Clara M. Chu, Jaya Raju, Chris Cunningham
March 10, 12pm CET (The Hague) – Africa and Europe (ENGLISH) – Moderated by Jaya Raju, Helen Emasealu, Aida Slavic
March 17, 12pm GMT-5 (Lima) – Latin America (SPANISH and PORTUGUESE) – Moderated by Ana Maria Talavera, Virginia Ortiz-Repiso Jimenez, Clara M. Chu
March 24, 12pm GMT+8 (Beijing)  – Asia and Oceania (ENGLISH) – Moderated by Sohaimi Zakaria, Jiuming Ji
[FRIDAY] March 26, 2pm GMT+3 (Moscow MSK) – Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) (RUSSIAN/ENGLISH TBD) – Moderators TBD. Co-hosted by the Library and Information Science Department, St. Petersburg State University of Culture – A special session of the Lifelong LIS Education annual conference.
March 31, 12pm GMT+2 (Cairo) – Middle East and North Africa (ARABIC) – Moderated by Saif Abdulla Al-Jabri

THANK YOU for your interest and contributions to the development of the IFLA Guidelines for Professional Library and Information Science (LIS) Education Programmes (LIS Education Framework Development Group, IFLA BSLISE)

The BSLISE Working Group is an initiative of the IFLA Education and Training Section (SET), LIS Education in Developing Countries Special Interest Group (LISEDC SIG), and Library Theory and Research (LTR) Section. To learn more, visit https://bslise.org/

Hosted by the Mortenson Center for International Library Programs, University of Illinois Library at Urbana-Champaign.

For More information, visit: BSLISE Guidelines

Mapping LIS Education Programs: Professional, Education and Research Perspectives | February 9
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February 9, 2021, 3:00-4:30 pm Chicago / February 10, 8:00-9:30 am Melbourne
Mapping LIS Education Programs: Professional, Education and Research Perspectives

The IFLA Building Strong LIS Education (BSLISE) Working Group invites you to the Mapping Library and Information Science (LIS) Education Programs webinar to learn about the international survey, directory and map of LIS education programs developed as a response to one of the recommendations of the IFLA Building Strong LIS Education White Paper (2018). Technical specialists will present the development of the survey, directory and map, and provide a demonstration. LIS leaders will address opportunities, needs and sustainability of the directory and map from professional, education and research perspectives.

Panelists:
Christine Mackenzie, President, International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions; Freelance Librarian (Australia)
Sandra Hirsh, President, Association for Library and Information Science Education; Associate Dean of Academics, College of Professional and Global Education, San Jose State University (United States)
Carlos Alberto Ávila Araújo, President, Asociación de Educación e Investigación en Ciencia de la Información de Iberoamérica y el Caribe; Associate Professor, School of Information Science, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (Brazil)

Technical Presenters:
Nuria Bautista-Puig, Postdoctoral Researcher, Department of Industrial Management, University of Gävle (Sweden)
Tiago Braga, General Coordinator of Information and Computer Technologies, Instituto Brasileiro de Informação em Ciência e Tecnologia (Brazil)
Chris Cunningham, Adjunct Professor, North Carolina Central University (United States)
Fatih Oguz, Associate Professor, Department of Library and Information Science, The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (United States)

Moderators:
Clara M. Chu, Director and Mortenson Distinguished Professor, Mortenson Center for International Library Programs, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (United States)
Jaya Raju, Professor and Head, Department of Knowledge and Information Stewardship, University of Cape Town (South Africa)

The BSLISE Working Group is an initiative of the IFLA Education and Training Section (SET), LIS Education in Developing Countries Special Interest Group (LISEDC SIG), and Library Theory and Research (LTR) Section. To learn more, visit https://bslise.org/

Hosted by the Mortenson Center for International Library Programs, University of Illinois Library at Urbana-Champaign.

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2020-21 Chai Wai Series
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Please click the 2020-21 Chai Wai Series for more information.
PAST 2020 EVENTS
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Infodemic, Info-vaccine and Libraries During the COVID-19 Pandemic Workshop (in collaboration with the Naseej Academy | December 16
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December 16, 2020, 7:00-9:00 pm Riyadh [10am-noon CT Chicago]
Infodemic, Info-vaccine and Libraries During the COVID-19 Pandemic Workshop (in collaboration with the Naseej Academy)

Presenters:
Kendra S. Albright, Goodyear Endowed Professor in Knowledge Management, School of Information, Kent State University
Clara M. Chu, Director and Mortenson Distinguished Professor, Mortenson Center for International Library Programs, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Bharat Mehra, EBSCO Endowed Chair in Social Justice & Professor, School of Library & Information Studies, University of Alabama

The term infodemic, first coined by Gunther Eysenbach (2002), refers to the rapid, large-scale dissemination of all kinds of health information and misinformation through a variety of media and information channels. This term is apt because the global consequences of this mode of information dissemination resulting in an overabundance of information, some of it accurate and some not, resembles the transmission of a pandemic. The current COVID-19-related infodemic is of significant consequence that the World Health Organization has created mythbusters and multiple disciplines are collaborating in the new field of research, infodemiology, to combat this infodemic. How can the library and information field respond?

The Mortenson Center for International Library Programs and Naseej Academy will present a two-hour workshop on the infodemic during the COVID-19 pandemic for library and information specialists. It will introduce the COVID-19-related infodemic, the need for an information vaccine (Albright, 2016) and its significance for libraries. Then, it will explore solutions that library and information specialists can undertake, through a discussion of experiences with infodemics. The workshop will present ideas and actions that library and information specialists can undertake as solutions and prevent the spread of the COVID-19-related infodemic.

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Special Literacy Month Webinar with Clara M. Chu, Libraries, Rotary, and their Partners Developing Peaceful Communities | September 22
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Tuesday, September 22, 2020; 5:00-6:00pm CST/6:00-7:00pm EST
Special Literacy Month Webinar with Clara M. Chu, “Libraries, Rotary, and their Partners Developing Peaceful Communities”

Clara M. Chu, Director and Mortenson Distinguished Professor of the Mortenson Center for International Libraries, has received many prestigious humanitarian awards. Her specific topic, “Community-Library Inter-Action (CLIA)” is a mindful practice, co-designed internationally, for libraries to facilitate community dialogue and action of, by, and for the community, that leads to social transformation. Facilitating conversations and Working WITH, not just FOR communities, will be presented, including using literacy to address social equity issues.

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Libraries Shaping Peace Together: A Global Dialogue of Association Leaders (A Webinar) | September 21
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Monday, September 21, 2020; Time 12:00pm-1:15pm CST
Libraries Shaping Peace Together: A Global Dialogue of Association Leaders (A Webinar)

Speakers:
Antonia Arahova, IFLA Treasurer; Head of Library, President’ s Private Office, Presidency of Hellenic Democracy
Camille Callison, IFLA Indigenous Matter Section Chair; Indigenous Strategies Librarian, University of Manitoba
Julius Jefferson, ALA President; Section Head, Congressional Research Service, Library of Congress

Moderator:
Clara M. Chu, Director and Distinguished Professor at the Mortenson Center for International Library Programs, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Since launching the Libraries for Peace Initiative, the Mortenson Center for International Library Programs has invited the library and information community to celebrate Libraries for Peace (L4P) Day as the world community observes International Day of Peace on September 21 every year. The United Nations General Assembly has declared this as a day devoted to strengthening the ideals of peace, both within and among all nations and peoples. The theme for the International Day of Peace in 2020 is “Shaping Peace Together”. In this panel discussion, association leaders will discuss how libraries can shape peace together, the ways that their associations provide leadership for libraries to shape peace together, and opportunities for library associations working with each other and/or other organizations to create collective impact in advancing peace.

More information available at: https://www.library.illinois.edu/mortenson/

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Transcending Borders: From Librarians Collaborating Abroad To Reconsidering Opportunities in a Virtual World | September 21
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Monday, September 21, 2020, 10:00-11:00 am CST
Transcending Borders: From Librarians Collaborating Abroad To Reconsidering Opportunities in a Virtual World

Speakers: Dallas Long, Deborah Chavez and Janet Lee

Moderator:
Clara M. Chu, Director and Distinguished Professor at the Mortenson Center for International Library Programs, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Three professional librarians, who have worked outside the United States, will share their international experiences. In this time of social distancing and travel limitations, participants will discuss means and opportunities for international virtual engagement. A resource list will be made available to registered participants.

More information available at: http://www.ala.org/rt/irrt/initiatives

Sponsored by: International Sustainable Library Development (ISLD) Interest Group of the ALA International Relations Round Table, Mortenson Center of International Library Programs, and Association of College & Research Libraries (ACRL)

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Global CU: Poetry of home and community identity | September 17
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Thursday, September 17, 2020; 7:00-8:15 pm CST
“Global CU: Poetry of home and community identity” (A virtual dialogue)

Speakers:
Jason Finkelman (Director, Global Arts Performance Initiatives, Krannert Center for the Performing Arts)
Emily Knox (Associate Professor, Interim Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, School of Information Sciences)
Kofi Bazzell-Smith (Artist, Boxer, U.S.-Japan Bridging Scholar)
Amani Ayad (Community Member and Co-Founder of the UNESCO Center for Global Citizenship)
Miriam Larson (Executive Director, Urbana-Champaign Independent Media Center)

The Mortenson Center for International Library Programs (University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Library) and the UNESCO Center for Global Citizenship invite you to a virtual dialogue by Champaign-Urbana (CU) residents, who have made CU home, whether they were born here or elsewhere. The dialogue will be based on poetry that speakers have selected and will read that reflects their sense of home (is the poetry from home — near or far — or about home?) and discuss how or whether the poetry contributes to their identity to CU as a community.  What fills our heart, provides comfort, creates memory, reduces loneliness, feels familiar, creates connections and what is the meaning of place? are some of the questions we will explore.  During the session, we welcome attendees to engage by asking questions, and sharing their poetry of home and community identity.

This is a Welcoming Week 2020 event of Champaign County, see https://universityymca.org/welcome/ww20/.  For more information, please see The Mortenson Center and Unesco Center for Global Citizenship Facebook Page

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Multiple ways of knowing: Global perspectives on academic libraries re-imagining systems of knowledge | September 15
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Tuesday, September 15, 2020; 1:00-2:00pm CST
“Multiple ways of knowing: Global perspectives on academic libraries re-imagining systems of knowledge”

Speakers:
Kanwal Ameen, Professor & Vice-Chancellor, University of Home Economics (Pakistan)
Spencer Lilley, Associate Professor, Massey University (New Zealand)
Ana Ndumu, Assistant Professor, University of Maryland, College Park (United States)

Respondent:
Paulette A Kerr, Campus Librarian, The University of the West Indies – Mona Campus (Jamaica)

Moderators:
Clara M. Chu, Director and Mortenson Distinguished Professor, Mortenson Center for International Library Programs, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (United States)
Jaya Raju, Professor and Head, Department of Knowledge and Information Stewardship, University of Cape Town (South Africa)

This webinar is the first event of the Chai Wai Series: Race, Social Justice, and Ways of Knowing, organized by the International and Areas Studies Library and the  Mortenson Center for International Library Programs of the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign. The focus will be “Multiple ways of knowing: Global perspectives on academic libraries re-imagining systems of knowledge,” which is the title of the International Insights column to be published in the October 2020 issue of College & Research Libraries News. The authors will present their column contributions, followed by a response, and a panel discussion.

For more information: https://www.library.illinois.edu/mortenson/chaiwai/

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From Refugee to Librarian: In our own words (A Webinar) | June 18
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Date/Time: June 18th, 2020, 12-1 pm CST 
From Refugee to Librarian: In our own words (Webinar)

Speakers:
Constantia Constantinou (H. Carton Rogers III Vice Provost and Director, Penn Libraries)
Touger Vang (Director, Montgomery Community College Library)

Moderator:
Clara M. Chu, Director, Mortenson Center for International Library Programs, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Library

Abstract: As librarians we have worked to create welcoming spaces and services for refugees. We have learned about them in order to support their resettlement and integration. The refugee stories we read about come from the communities we serve. How about the refugee stories that come from our own professional and academic community? In this webinar, we give voice to refugees who have become librarians or library educators. They will share their journey from persecution to resettlement to professional career, giving the listener a glimpse into their experiences of struggle, resilience, hope and belonging.

Flyer  | Recording