This is not directly Wikimedia related but relates to engagement of
librarians globally. OCLC (the organization I work for) has run a the IFLA
/ OCLC Fellows program for librarians from developing nations. It would be
amazing (I think) if we could attract some librarians who are interested in
leveraging the connections between Wikimedia projects and librarianship.
If you are a librarian from one of the identified countries, I urge you to
apply! Or if you can distribute this information to other relevant lists,
please do so. I know that one of our former fellow Saima Qutab is
currently active in the Wikimedia movement.
More information is here:
https://www.oclc.org/en/about/awards/ifla-fellowship-program.html
Program overview
Up to five individuals are selected each year for participation in this
intensive four-week Fellowship Program based at OCLC's headquarters in
Dublin, Ohio, USA. The program gives Fellows opportunities to meet with
leading information practitioners and explore topics including information
technologies, library operations and management, and global cooperative
librarianship.
The Fellows visit many libraries, cultural heritage institutions and
library organizations. They also observe OCLC's governance structure in
action, gaining insight into issues affecting the global library
cooperative. In addition, Fellows give presentations about their home
countries and libraries and discuss real-world solutions to the challenges
facing libraries today.
The Fellows then translate their learning and experiences into specific
professional development plans that guide their continued growth as well as
their personal contributions to their home institutions and country of
origin.
Program guidelines
The Fellowship Program is for library and information science professionals
who are in early stages of career development and from countries with
developing economies. Eligibility is limited to those who are from a
qualifying country, have a degree in library or information science
obtained within the past five years, and have at least three years, but no
more than eight years, of library or information science experience.
General inquiries
For general inquiries about the program, contact Nancy Lensenmayer
<lensenma(a)oclc.org>rg>, Program Director, OCLC Education and Professional
Development.