Monthly Archives: August 2020

Resources from Latin America & the Caribbean libraries in the face of COVID-19 / Bibliotecas de América Latina y el Caribe ante el COVID-19: Recursos

COVID-19 has forever changed our world including our libraries. Now more than ever we need to work united to continue providing access to information during and after the pandemic. We need to start working on our future, today.

IFLA, librarians and library associations from all regions of the globe have developed resources to guide changes including shifting from in-person services to online services, copyright matters, online programming from all types of libraries, e-resources, and wellness for library workers. These are some of the areas mentioned by librarians from Latin America participating in an online series, “Loida, Bibliotecas Live,” I started last March to help each other en Español.

On this blog, I am going to highlight a selection of online events and resources from my beloved Latin America and Caribbean region (LAC) and others serving people from the region. I hope they are useful and inspiring to all. Colleagues reading this blog post can feel free to share events from their regions on the comments section.

I would like to invite everyone to visit a page that IFLA as the global voice of libraries developed including a myriad of resources related to libraries and COVID19.  It also includes actions and resources by library associations, national libraries, and library partners from all regions of the world responding to the Corona virus pandemic.

Special highlights for this blog post are the actions from library associations from LAC included on the IFLA page such as Argentina, Brazil, Mexico, and Puerto Rico, and the National Libraries of Argentina and Aruba, and the Library of Congress of Argentina. All available here:  https://www.ifla.org/covid-19-and-libraries#actions

Here is a selection of online events and resources from Latin America & the Caribbean:

Argentina

ABGRA, Asociacion de Bibliotecarios Graduados de la Republica de Argentina—Informe: Bibliotecas argentinas ante el aislamiento social y obligatorio por COVID 19 / Report: Argentine Libraries Faced with Social and Mandatory Isolation by COVID 19

Biblioteca del Congreso  junto a la Oficina de IFLA LAC – Conversatorio: Bibliotecas y comunidad en el context del aislamiento social preventivo: Imaginando el future  / Conversation: Libraries and community in the context of preventive social isolation: Imagining the future)

Brazil

FEBAB, Federação Brasileira de Associações de Bibliotecários, Cientistas da Informação e Instituições / Brazilian Federation of Associations of Librarians, Information Scientists and Institutions – Resource page

Dominican Republic

Biblioteca Juan Bosch – Dialogo de Bibliotecas en Cuarentena /Dialogue: Libraries in Quarantine

Puerto Rico

Sociedad de Bibliotecarios de Puerto Rico /Library Society of Puerto Rico – Multiple on their YouTube Channel

Mexico

AMBAC,  Asociacion Mexicana de Bibliotecarios/ Mexican Library Association– Serie acerca de Covid y Bibliotecas / Covid and Libraries series

Lineamientos para la reapertura de bibliotecas ante la emergencia sanitaria por COVID-19/ Guidelines for the reopening of libraries in the face of the health emergency due to COVID-19

CNB, Colegio Nacional de Bibliotecarios/ National Library College – Bibliotecas mexicanas ante el COVID19: Experiencias y retos / Mexican libraries in the face of COVID19: challenges and experiences

IIBIs, Instituto de Investigaciones Bibliotecologicas y de la Investigacion / Institute for Library Research and Investigation– Investigar, ensenar y aprender en tiempos de COVID / Research, Research, Teach and Learn in Times of COVID

Associations

ACURIL, Asociacion de Bibliotecas Universitarias, de Investigacion e Institucionales del Caribe / Asociation of Caribbean University, Research and Institutional Libraries – Conversatorio: Voces bilbiotecarias ante la crisis: Al mal tiempo buena cara /Conversation: Librarian voices in the face of the crisis: Good face in bad weather

REFORMA, La Asociación Nacional para Promover Servicios de Bibliotecas e Información a Latinos e Hispanohablantes / National Association to Promote Library and Information Services to Latinos and the Spanish Speaking – Serving Spanish Speakers in COVID-19 Times

Bibliotecas de América Latina y el Caribe ante el COVID-19: Recursos

COVID-19 ha cambiado para siempre nuestro mundo, incluidas nuestras bibliotecas. Ahora más que nunca necesitamos trabajar unidos para continuar brindando acceso a la información durante y después de la pandemia. Necesitamos comenzar a trabajar en nuestro futuro, hoy.

La IFLA, bibliotecarios y asociaciones de bibliotecas de todas las regiones del mundo han desarrollado recursos para guiar los cambios, incluido el cambio de servicios en persona a servicios en línea, asuntos de derechos de autor, programación en línea de todo tipo de bibliotecas, recursos electrónicos y bienestar para los trabajadores de las bibliotecas. Estas son algunas de las áreas mencionadas por bibliotecarios de América Latina que participan en una serie en línea en español, “Loida, Bibliotecas Live”, que comencé en marzo pasado para ayudarnos unos a otros.

En este blog, voy a destacar una selección de eventos y recursos en línea de mi querida región de América Latina y el Caribe (LAC) y otros que sirven a personas de la región. Espero que sean útiles e inspiradores para todos. Me gustaría invitar a los colegas que leen esta publicación de blog a compartir eventos de sus regiones en la sección de comentarios.

Me gustaría invitar a todos a visitar una magnifica página desarrollada por la IFLA como voz global de las bibliotecas, que incluye una gran cantidad de recursos relacionados con las bibliotecas y COVID19. También incluye acciones y recursos de asociaciones de bibliotecas, bibliotecas nacionales y asociadas a bibliotecas de todas las regiones del mundo que responden a la pandemia del virus Corona.

Destacan especialmente las acciones de asociaciones bibliotecarias de LAC incluidas en la página de la IFLA como Argentina, Brasil, México y Puerto Rico, y las Bibliotecas Nacionales de Argentina y Aruba, y la Biblioteca del Congreso de Argentina. Todos disponibles aquí: https://www.ifla.org/covid-19-and-libraries#actions

Aquí esta una selección de eventos y recursos en línea de América Latina y el Caribe:

Argentina

ABGRA, Asociacion de Bibliotecarios Graduados de la Republica de Argentina—Informe: Bibliotecas argentinas ante el aislamiento social y obligatorio por COVID 19

Biblioteca del Congreso  junto a la Oficina de IFLA LAC – Conversatorio: Bibliotecas y comunidad en el context del aislamiento social preventivo: Imaginando el future

Brazil

FEBAB, Federação Brasileira de Associações de Bibliotecários, Cientistas da Informação e Instituições – Página recurso

Dominican Republic

Biblioteca Juan Bosch – Dialogo de Bibliotecas en Cuarentena

Puerto Rico

Sociedad de Bibliotecarios de Puerto Rico – Multiple on their YouTube Channel

Mexico

AMBAC, Asociacion  Mexicana de Bibliotecarios – Serie virtual acerca de Covid y Bibliotecas

Lineamientos para la reapertura de bibliotecas ante la emergencia sanitaria por COVID-19

CNB, Colegio Nacional de Bibliotecarios – Bibliotecas mexicanas ante el COVID19: Experiencias y retos

IIBIs, Instituto de Investigaciones Bibliotecologicas y de la Investigacion– Investigar, ensenar y aprender en tiempos de COVID / Research

Asociaciones

ACURIL, Asociacion de Bibliotecas Universitarias, de Investigacion e Institucionales del Caribe – Conversatorio: Voces bilbiotecarias ante la crisis: Al mal tiempo buena cara

REFORMA, La Asociación Nacional para Promover Servicios de Bibliotecas e Información a Latinos e Hispanohablantes – Serving Spanish Speakers in COVID-19 Times

2020 IFLA Coaching Experience

Written by: Roana Marie Flores, Readers’ Services Librarian, De La Salle University, Manila, Philippines, roana.flores@dlsu.edu.ph

Photo caption: The coach, Rajen Munoo of Singapore Management University.

Photo caption: The coachee, Roana Marie Flores of De La Salle University, Manila,

Last 19 August 2020, Wednesday, I attended my very first coaching session initiated by IFLA Section on Continuing Professional Development and Workplace Learning (IFLA-CPDWL). I first heard about this program via my personal Instagram handle and without any hesitation, I registered to one of the available slots on my preferred date and time zone. I was able to book a session with Rajen Munoo of Singapore Management University.

The session started with an introductory note from my chosen coach. Rajen humbly shared his experience beginning early from his career up to the present. He engagingly shared stories along with the lessons he learned along the way. After sharing the story of his professional life, I shared mine. I told him my humble beginnings– how I started as a school librarian then becoming a public librarian into an academic librarian. After telling a brief narrative account, we got to the meat of the matter: my indecision of a Ph.D. degree to take. I told Rajen that I have just finished with my master’s degree this year and that I am planning to take a Ph.D. degree, three years from now. Hence, this discussion will be a useful one to plan out how I will strategize in attaining the goal of finishing a Ph.D. soon. From our discussion, I have taken note of three important things from Rajen: 1) revisit motivation/s, 2) find my niche, and 3) the value of prioritization in life.

1. Revisit motivation/s

The most important thing of all, according to Rajen, is to be completely clear with our motivation/s, especially when deciding to leap into a new venture. I find this very obligatory because motivations are the fuel that keeps us from going. Without it, all things will be meaningless. We must look for things or moments or anything that light up our inner fire from time to time in order to remind us why we are pushing through in our career and life, in general. In my case, I should probably ask myself: why would you want to take a Ph.D. dgree? Or, what drives you in finishing a certain goal?

Photo caption: Rajen and Roana during the actual virtual coaching session.

2. Find our niche

In connection with reexamining motivations, it is equally important to find a niche that is suitable for ourselves. We don’t have to do what everyone else is doing and we should not let ourselves live always in the famous mantra of “go with the flow.” Certain situations in our life need our unique selves. We have different interests and passion and not all person is created alike. In looking for a Ph.D. degree, Rajen pointed out to understand thyself first. What things are you really good at? Do you really want to take data science or are you pressured because everyone else is taking it? There is no need to go where the majority are going into. Be extraordinary. Be unique. Be yourself.

3. The value of prioritization in life​

Taking a Ph.D. is no joke. It will be the most critical five years of your life. Rajen pinpointed how prioritization is crucial during those times. We need to sacrifice a lot of things–time, finances, plus people i.e. our social groups, to name a few. Getting back to our life goals and motivations is much needed at this time. That is why Rajen, started his advice on me by asking me my motivation.

The conversation with my coach is very interesting, meaningful, and direct to the point. I think that what I learned from this session will not only help me in my professional life but my personal existence as well. It has been a long time since I had a conversation like this with an expert and I am grateful that I signed up for this. One hour is not enough in this coaching session, but that one hour is one of the most remarkable ones in my librarianship life.

To conclude, let me share with you the parting words from Rajen: “Aim for the stars and keep your feet on the ground.” We always need to give our best, be it in a small task of fixing something small. These small steps will lead into a greater purpose and sense of completion. Success and failure are part of our lives. While we want ourselves to be successful in our life endeavors, let us not forget other people who also need our help. Most importantly, do not let accomplishments get into your head and drown you. At the end of the day, we do not own this life. All the success we accomplished will be thrown on our graves when we leave the earth, and what will matter most is how you was able to relate and use that accomplishments to help our fellowmen.

REFORMA Children in Crisis Project: Librarians bringing hope to unaccompanied children

By Loida Garcia-Febo, International Library Consultant, CPDWL Consultant, ALA President 2018-2019

Librarians are bravely going above and beyond to bring books and hope to unaccompanied children kept in custody in the U.S. after crossing the border into the country. Children as young as toddlers are separated from their parents and spend long periods of time by themselves waiting to be assigned a sponsor.

For years, the Children in Crisis Project from REFORMA, The National Library Association to Promote Library and Information Services to Latinos and the Spanish Speaking, has worked extremely hard to bring hope to unaccompanied children in custody.

As per a Fact Sheet from the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) in the U.S., an operational division of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), reported that there were about 820 unaccompanied children in HHS care on August 11, 2020. This agency defines unaccompanied children as “a child who has no lawful immigration status in the United States; has not attained 18 years of age; and, with respect to whom, there is no parent or legal guardian in the United States, or no parent or legal guardian in the United States available to provide care and physical custody.” Tragically, according to their most recent data from June 2020, the average time children spend in custody is 193 days.

Patrick Sullivan, one of the Children in Crisis Task Force Co-Chair along with Oralia Garza de Córtes, shared with me that the group continues working to bring books to the children in the shelters and those awaiting their case reviews at the border in Matamoros and Tijuana.  Due to complex processes, it can take a long time to bring the books to children at the centers. For instance, it has been slower with the closing of the border and lower numbers of children in the shelters, but the librarians are still receiving donations of funds and books when things do open up. Ady Huertas, a librarian very active within the group, continues to work with Southwest Key shelters in San Diego. Since the main library is closed at the moment, due to COVID-19, she’s not able to do the library visits that they were doing on a regular basis.

The librarians carrying out this incredible work deserve to be highlighted and I thought of sharing with the library world a general overview of what they do. Their work is not something we usually learn in library school or as part of continuing education. But it is part of librarianship’s principle of providing access to information.  It is a labor of love. It takes a long time for the paperwork and permits to be processed and approved. There are specific instructions about the materials that can be brought in. At times, the librarians do not see the children to which they bring books. They leave the books with authorities that will give them to the children. Yet, the librarians work tirelessly coordinating donations from publishing houses and authors that connect with them to bring hope to unaccompanied children. My respect to them!

For donations, go to: https://refugeechildren.wixsite.com/refugee-children/donate

For books, they accept Spanish or bilingual Spanish/English children’s books and it is best if you email cic@reforma.org to receive specifics about where to send any books.

CPDWL Podcast Project: Episode 6

Colleagues, we are excited to announce the our sixth episode (and final episode for season 1) of the CPDWL Podcast Project where we feature library and information professionals who support and participate in professional development work.

Our guest is Wanda Kay Brown, the American Library Association’s Immediate Past President, CPDWL member and the Director of Library Services for the C. G. O’Kelly Library in Winston-Salem State University in North Carolina.

See here for the podcast: https://anchor.fm/ifla-cpdwl/episodes/CPDWL-Podcast-Project-Episode-6-Wanda-Kay-Brown-ehjjca

Transcript:

Ray
Hi, this is Raymond Pun, Welcome to the IFLA CPDWL Podcast Project. In this space, we talk with library and information professionals who support and participate in professional development work. Today’s guest is Wanda Kay Brown, the American Library Association’s Immediate Past President, CPDWL member and the Director of Library Services for the C. G. O’Kelly Library in Winston-Salem State University in North Carolina. Welcome Wanda!

Wanda
Thank you. Ray. It’s a pleasure to be here.

Ray
We are really excited to have you here to speak with you on your, your journey to librarianship and your work. And so, a question here for you is if you had to describe yourself using only one word, what word would that be?

Wanda
I thought about that, I actually thought of two words. But I’ll go with the first one which I thought was “genuine.” And I say that because I try in all things to be authentic. And I think that that’s an important trait. I think people should just be themselves and then embrace who they are and how they are and just be sincere and be dependable and be all things to all people. And I think you can do that as long as you’re genuine. You know? Does that make sense?

Ray
Yeah, what was the other word?

Wanda
Sincere, it was between the two: sincere or genuine – I realized they are both, well, you know, they’re connected together sometimes we look for words that give us power and strength, but I just want to be me, because I think that I am a person who, when you find me one day you’ll find me the same way the next, right? I’m just me, I’m sincere, I’m earnest, I am, I think committed. And I think I’m committed to accepting that all people are different. And that we embrace that difference. And if we embrace that difference, we’ll be sincere.

Ray
Certainly, important traits here. And so, what compelled you to become a librarian. How did you get started?

Wanda
Okay, so, let me tell you. I worked as a library student assistant, when I was in college. Even though I was pursuing, I had a certification in secondary education. So, I did my student teaching at a time when they were just trying out the team-teaching approach. And I must admit that I did my student teaching in a place that wasn’t, I’m gonna say the “most culturally sensitive” place then it was to do it. So, I kind of decided you know I’m not sure I want to do this teaching, I just wasn’t sure after that student teaching experience so I was sure one thing and that was I didn’t really want to leave what’s the Salem, so I’d come here from northeastern part of North Carolina to go to school and I want to talk about going back so I decided I would start looking for work. And of course, everywhere you go, people would want to know what kind of experience do you have. So, what I had was three years as a student assistant here at this very library that I’m working at now, C.G. O’Kelly Library, so you do. Okay. So, I went to unemployment security.

And they said “Well Wake Forest University has a position that actually requires a Master’s,” but it was funded by the city of Winston Salem when it was called the “city employment training act,” so they were trying to get minorities to work on that campus. So, I went, I interviewed, I got the job right so after that one year in that training position. They offered me a full-time position and then the next year I decided, “you know what I think I like this I think I’ll go to the school” and so I worked full time and went back to library school, went to library school. After my maybe second year working? I went to library school so that’s how it all got started for me.

Ray
Wow.  So, you started out as a student assistant in the library that you are now the director of it?

Wanda
Right, yes, absolutely.

Ray
That’s quite a, quite a story. And so, we’re really curious as part of IFLA, our focus is always on building bridges and connecting with folks from all over the world. We are curious about your thoughts on global librarianship what does that mean to you?

Wanda
Well, you know, I hadn’t really thought very much of it until I attended my first IFLA conference. And it was there that that I saw that people from all different walks of life were just as passionate about the work that they do as I was. And so, then I realized, “oh my goodness you know how wonderful it is to have librarians and library workers right here that we can connect with and talk about how did you do this or, what did you what plans, did you put in place to reach your, you know, students who are working from home or students who are studying.”

But now we have a larger audience right? An extended family, where people still have that primary focus of reaching out to their patrons and helping their patrons become successful so I was like, “Oh man, I love this” and so that’s why I, it just opened my eyes I tell people we learn all the time learning never stops and if you allow yourself the opportunity to learn from something you’ll see that it broadens your horizons and now you’re thinking, you’re not just thinking about my community, “my little town my little village” but you’re thinking about the United States and now you’re thinking, even outside of it, and connecting with others and I think the work that you do is just awesome and that you’re just great uniter of people from across different walks, I think that’s wonderful.

Ray
Yeah, definitely. I think it’s interesting that we have so much opportunities to learn from one another as you’re saying because of the technology because of access, and so forth but also, you know, it’s, um, it’s ongoing right? It doesn’t stop. The, the other part of the question is, I’m curious here, because I know when you had mentioned your IFLA, we had actually met, I think, probably in Malaysia? And then we had talked a little bit about what sections you might be interested in and you had mentioned, “professional development” so I thought oh great you know our section, the continuing professional development and workplace learning has an opening slot and we were able to have you in. And so, just wondering here, how come like you were interested in this sort of topic, as opposed to, you know, information literacy or academic libraries? Just curious.

Wanda
No, I think I’ve always, I’ve always believed that professional development is the key. You can walk into a place until when, when you are around people who have invested in themselves, what it means to an organization so professional development is one of the things that that interests me a lot because I think somewhere one of my strengths is developer or helping people achieve all they can. And I think professional development is extremely important to each of us. As I said, you know, I hadn’t really thought about the global aspect of librarianship until an opportunity to attend the conference broaden my horizons around that and so when you talk about professional development, this is what we’re talking about is connecting people, helping people to see the dots and all the other places but coming together to advance not only yourself but as you grow, and you go, right? You’re going to bring up as with you. And so, I had, I just think professional development is the key.

Ray
Yeah, and with that being said, we’re really curious here, if you could share with us a memorable moment you have, whether it’s the IFLA conference or at ALA?

Wanda
I’m gonna go with the IFLA conference because so, then I’ve been in the profession what 40-40~ years or more, maybe 42 right? But I had never attended an international conference. So, I would just say that the love and pride that I got, or that I get when I attend a JCLC (Joint Conference of Librarians of Color) conference. It’s like minorities of all cultures coming together. Well, IFLA is like a magnification of that times 100%. And so, the very first one I went to which was in Malaysia. I was like, “oh my god this is so awesome, all of these different cultures, but people interested that common thread, what did they have, they would there” because a. they love libraries, they love the frustration area, and b. they love the fact that they can get better at what they do by surrounding themselves with people with similar interests. And so that first IFLA I was like so.

And so that’s why I wanted to get you know involved in the committee, because I thought “oh my god I missed out on this and maybe I have a little bit that I can contribute here.” As my career, you know, spirals. I would love to be able to be more active in this and then of course COVID-19 comes along, you may not have the opportunity to visit or to attend an IFLA now for another couple of years or so, but it was so, so, so just motivating just inspiring to see all the different cultures out there with a central thing. And then, wonderful, one of the sessions that I went to was about professional development, I think it was given by some librarians, library workers from Canada, but all of the things they were saying was “so right on point” and it’s like being people across the world, no matter what library types they’re in and which library, which countries they’re from, we all have the same passion for the work that we do the passion to drive and to make our organizations better. So, I was hooked. At that moment, as you can tell from my voice.

Ray
Yeah, that’s really exciting and that’s actually a nice segue to our next question, which we could hear from your voice about the profession, and the international collaboration opportunities. Anything else you want to tell the audience, listeners here, what are you most excited about in the profession today?

Wanda
I think, I think there are two things. First of all, I think we’re excited because I think we consider ourselves essential. So, in the midst of this COVID-19. It has just been amazing, My staff. I’ve had staff who have come in, week after week, making copies or supplying articles to students just doing whatever they could to make sure, a student have a chance to be successful. Right? And so, I’ll say students, the next person might say patron.

Well, whoever you serve, we are in this profession because we desire to help you be as successful as you can be right. So, to me, that is the number one thing that I’m excited about is that our ability to do that to help people be successful, but I’m also equally excited about the opportunity we have, and one I hope that people will take more of an interest in than the half. And that is our ability to influence and our communities from the standpoint of partnerships, coming together to uplift that community. I’m not sure this group has heard me say it, but I talk frequently about my community here. We are number three in the United States for a child who grows into poverty, grows up here in poverty is likely to die in poverty.

I think libraries can be crucial partners in lifting that community. If we come together, if school libraries and public libraries, academic libraries within a community, if we come together, embrace what the community needs, deliver, partner, I think we can make a difference and that’s been one of my things that I’ve said in all of my trips around when I was President of ALA because I believe we can do it. We just have to think about it. Is there a group of students who hang out at your library that you would like to put out, those are probably the ones that you would want to keep because you want to wrap your arms around them to help them, help them to see what they need to be successful because sometimes people don’t know what it takes to be successful and you’d be surprised. You’d have to see it, you’d have to witness it and sometimes people haven’t grown up in their families where they saw what success look like they haven’t seen.

I actually taught a first-year seminar a couple of years ago when I had the students raise their hands if they were the first in their families to go to college and I had probably, maybe like, I don’t know four or five hands to go up? And this one young lady raised her hands and she said I’m the first in my family to finish high school. So, see this is why I’m saying, we can make a difference. We can do this, we in libraries can wrap our hands, and our hearts around our community and help lift it up so this yes gives me hope for our profession, but it makes me love and anymore because I know we have that potential and I know we can make a difference.

Ray
Yeah, and you’ve planted some seeds of thoughts for ideas and suggestions, in terms of those who are just starting in the profession, those who might be very seasoned but is there anything else in terms of professional development tip or advice that you like to share with others?

Wanda
You know when I thought about and I have a healthy appetite. Have a healthy appetite for professional development, which means that you’re always looking for an opportunity to learn and to hear more about a particular topic, I had a supervisor some years ago who said, every conference pick a topic you know nothing about and go sit in on a session. I go sit in on hear what they have to say you’d be surprised. It might spark an interest in you around that topic, but it also may open a door that you might say, “Oh, I can learn more about this by involving myself in, you know, a particular area.” So that would be my tip would be to have a healthy appetite. And then, you know, as they say, you know, “variety is the spice of life” so then make sure that you are learning about some things that prepare you for today but also learn about what prepares you for tomorrow.

Ray
Yeah, that’s a great tip and we’re going to segue to this other question here something a little different. What profession, other than librarianship, would you like to attempt?

Wanda
Well, you know what I wrote down? “Customer Services representative.” I think sometimes I think I get so annoyed with companies who I think don’t invest enough in the training of their employees that people don’t understand what it means to be, to give good customer services, and also sometimes, I think you know I’d like to get a job at this restaurant or at this store and really teach people what it means to deliver expert customer services so that’s what I put for the answer for that one.

Ray
That is an interesting point here because right now we see a lot of automation right “press one.”

Wanda
Yeah, yeah, yeah..

Ray
That discourages people from engaging with the organizations. Well thank you for sharing that and we’re gonna segue to another question here. What is next for you as Immediate Past President of the American Library Association, what would you like to accomplish next?

Wanda
Well there was one of my one of my missions that didn’t happen, and I still hope it will. I don’t know if you know, but one of the many things that I thought I could accomplish, one of those three primary things was to have a strategic aligning session for the staff of ALA. And I think that is still important.

I think the best way for an association to serve its members, is to have all of that socialization wrapped around a single mission. Right, or wrapped around a single concept of what you’re what it is that the members find most value in having, right? And so therefore what I wanted to do was to have a strategic planning or strategic retreat where we invited the staff of ALA to come be a part of design where this organization is headed and how we get there together so as of kind of aligning around the central mission.

It’s like a one ALA because I just think they need that. And so, hopefully, I’m hoping that maybe that’s the one thing if I have to complete my list of two dues. That would be the one that I would want to see happen.

Ray
Were there two other ones you said, two other primary, other two?

Wanda
You know, one was the prison pipeline, the pipeline to prison for Hispanic and African American boys. I’m just hoping that somewhere I’m planting enough seeds that maybe in some neighborhood somewhere people are now thinking about you know, programs that they can put in place I wanted to have, you know, speakers to speak around this topic and then we went virtual and then COVID-19 just kind of changed, you know a lot of that and then it was to do the Finding my own ALA which we did do there.

We did some didn’t do as much you know because the spring was all canceled COVID-19 but I did a lot of touring in the fall and it was wonderful to hear the stories around people who, who found their ALA how they found it, because I wanted to see what is it we need to be to people. Right? What does the association need to be so that we are there when someone needs?

I ran into a lot of library workers who were simply tapped because they had a college degree to lead a library never been library school or anything like that. And I think that our association has to be there for those as we are for those who are at institutions where they’re paid lots of money and most of the time people are paid the least amount of money, but they impact the communities they live in tremendously. And so, I just think we have, to have to be aware of that and I was certainly happy to hear all those stories that people will come up and talk to me about how they ended up in this profession and so I just think our association has to, has to be there. So, help us find out ALA to help people find their path to what they need within our association.

Ray
Right, and we certainly commend you and your stellar leadership during unprecedented times it’s, it’s been very challenging for everyone around the world and those who are listening. So certainly, I think that there’s always, there’s always a lot of great work and planning to do and as an ALA member, I’m really thankful for the work that you’ve done. And so, this is our final question for folks who want to know more about you or want to contact or connect with you, where can our listeners, connect with you online?

Wanda
Right. When I wrote this up though, here’s what I want to say, just know that my social media presence it’s not great, it’s like I’m not a big tweeter? I’m very private so I put very little on Facebook. Mostly I just see what other people have to say, so I’m just gonna say, “can you just old fashioned like email me, pick up the phone and call me? Or you can text me those things work. My email address is brownwa@wssu.edu.” I’m happy to exchange emails or, or you can pick up the phone and call me. Because I am, I’m kind of old fashioned in that. I need a “Ray,” I need a “Ray” in my life to be my social media person, I don’t have one and it just, I guess. It’s kind of hard sometimes if you’re accountable, private person that be so public, you know, does that makes sense?

Ray
Yeah, definitely. Yeah, there are definitely people who are lurkers right? They just look at other profiles and updates.

Wanda
And I love to hear what other people are doing and saying so you know usually if I get a friend request on Facebook I accept it. I’d like to see what others but just know that I’m probably not going to be the one sharing tons of stuff around myself. And I do have a LinkedIn profile, I’m there and I like to read what others are doing but I very rarely post stuff myself.

Maybe now that I’m not President and I’m like to tell me more you know when you’re in leadership roles I always think that you have to think carefully about what you say and what you share, you know as an opinion, with people because sometimes just say sometimes that people have personal thoughts that don’t necessarily need to be shared because of how different opinions out there.

So sometimes, sometimes I think that’s what happens is that people say “well, it should have been a personal opinion” and they say “okay you know I’m just going to push this out there,” because I feel this way, and not realizing that maybe the way you feel is based upon the lens that your life took you through. Right? Because we all tend to see life through the lens or how we will read life circumstances for us and that was common every day for you maybe something I never heard that, or I thought about.

Ray
No, it’s true. I really appreciate that comment because we have had conversations in different circles whether a leader needs to be extroverted or, you know, very engaged, involved in social media. And of course, we know that it’s not the case. Leaders, managers, anybody who are involved in, in type of work that that brings people together, you know they have different types of approaches, so it’s really great to hear your perspective on that and knowing that there’s a lot of ways to be engaged but without having to necessarily be extroverted in social media and so forth.

So, I think that’s those are really great points, and we want really to want to thank you Wanda for taking the time to talk with us today about your thoughts on professional development, your plans and background. And really, and for those who are listening, I thank you for tuning in. We will have the transcript; you can see right there if you were wanting to see some of the resources that Wanda listed. And again, thank you for joining us on the CPDWL Podcast Project. Thank you, Wanda.

Wanda
Thank you Ray, you have a wonderful day. Take care.

Online coaching available!

The IFLA Coaching Initiative welcomes colleagues who want to take part in an online coaching session. Please see the following information for coachees (the persons who want to be coached):

Information for interested coachees:

Dear colleagues,

Are you interested in developing your career, tackling challenging situations and achieving your goals? Would you like to find out how participation in the work of IFLA can help you to expand your career and professional development opportunities?

The IFLA Continuing Professional Development and Workplace Learning Section and the IFLA Management and Marketing Section invite you to this year’s Online Coaching Week 17-21 August, as part of the IFLA Coaching Initiative.

The coaching sessions, previously planned as face-to-face sessions at the IFLA WLIC in Dublin, which had to be cancelled, are now available for booking as one hour online coaching sessions. Online booking with an individual coach within your time zone is available at: https://calendly.com/ifla-management.

Coaching is currently available in the following languages: English, Spanish, German and Swedish. The coaches are based in various countries and different time zones. You can choose your preferences for a language and time slot that suits you best.

After booking, please wait until the coach contacts you to discuss which online platform (Zoom, WebEx, skype…) you prefer and to explore alternative time slots. In addition, you can also ask the coach about the format of the coaching.

We look forward to your participation!

Kindest regards,

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CPDWL Podcast Project: Episode 5

Colleagues, we are excited to announce the our fifth episode of the CPDWL Podcast Project where we feature library and information professionals who support and participate in professional development work.

Our guest is Dr. Mitsuhiro Oda has been involved in LIS education and CPD activities for 33 years. His current responsibilities as Professor of College of Community Studies (CCS), Aoyama Gakuin University (AGU) in Japan, relate to bringing up information professionals in charge of the succession of information resources in local communities. He has engaged in the development of library profession, as well as the revision of qualification program and curriculum for librarianship. And, in these two decades, he played a role of instructor / mentor to around one hundred and more training workshops and sessions for workplace learning.

As to research activities, by adopting practical and empirical approach, he has published more than twenty research articles on such topics as effective methods for workplace learning, efficiency of training program using product- sharing database system, and significance of integrating LIS education with continuing professional development. Since 2014, he has been an active president of Japan Society of Library and Information Science (JSLIS). And, for 6 years from 2013, he contributed to LIS education as a director of Division of Education for Library & Information Science (DELIS) under Japan Library Association (JLA).Also, he has been a member of the Standing Committee in Section of Education and Training (SET) for two terms (2011-2019), IFLA.

This conversation was conducted in Japanese by Dr. Hiromi Kubo, an academic librarian from Fresno State, California, USA.

See here for the podcast: https://anchor.fm/ifla-cpdwl/episodes/CPDWL-Podcast-Project-Episode-5-Mitsuhiro-Oda-in-Japanese-eh985i/a-a2ptsk5

Transcript

[00:00:03] こんにちは、レイモンド・パンです、IFLA CPDWL のポッドキャスト・プロジェクトへようこそ。このプロジェクトでは、図書館情報学の分野で、技能育成を支援したり、参加したりしている方々にお話を伺っています。 本日のゲストは、フレズノ州立大学の図書館司書である久保裕美先生と、CPDWL分科会メンバーで青山学院大学図書館情報学教授、日本図書館協会理事長の小田光宏先生です。対談は久保裕美先生が日本語で進行します。

[00:00:41] IFLA CPDWL ポッドキャスト・プロジェクトへようこそ。このプロジェクトでは、図書館情報学の分野で、技能育成や職務研修の参画・支援に関わる方々にお話を伺っています。今回は、CPDWL分科会会員であり、青山学院大学図書館情報学教授、また、日本図書館協会理事長でもいらっしゃいます、小田光宏先生にお話を伺います。

[00:01:13] 小田先生、よろしくお願いします。

[00:01:17] はい、よろしくお願いします。

[00:01:19] まず最初に、ご自身を一言で言い表すとすればどんな言葉でしょうか。

[00:01:28] 簡単な質問ではないところから始まったかと思ってますが。

[00:01:36] 日本語で表現すると、「遊び」という言葉、これが自分に適しているのではないかと思っています。遊びという言葉にはいくつかの意味がありますが、遊びというような意味合いもありますけど、それよりももうちょっと「ゆったりしてる」というような意味合いで、自分では思っています。車を運転する時をイメージしていただくといいかもしれないんですが、ハンドルを回すときに、ハンドルはいきなり右へ回したからといって(すぐに車が)曲がるんじゃなくて、初めに少し何も動かない、タイヤが動かないっていう、そういう部分を車の運転では遊びと言ってますけど、それに近いものを自分自身に感じています。

[00:02:25] 面白いですね。ありがとうございます。次の質問です。図書館情報学の教授になったきっかけは何かありましたでしょうか。

[00:02:38] 一番最初は、図書館情報学という領域が、昔自分自身が始めたころは「図書館学」という呼び方でしたけれども、そういった領域があるということに驚いたというところで、この世界に飛び込むきっかけがありました。いろんな勉強はしましたけど、ものを覚えるというのが決して得意な方ではなかったので、ものを覚えるよりは、ものの覚え方を覚えた方が少なくて済むかなっていう、そんなちょっとずるい考え方をしまして。この領域は多分そういうことに役立つ領域だろうなと思って始めたということです。そのうちに大学院に行く機会があって、教員の方に身を置こうというふうに思うに至りました。

[00:03:46] とても面白いです。そういう風に考えたことがなかったので、とても興味深くお伺いしました。

[00:03:53] それで次の質問です。小田先生にとって、「国際的な図書館司書」であるということはどういったことを意味するのでしょうか。また、もしそのお考えに何か時間の経過と共に変化がございましたら、教えてください。

[00:04:14] 国際的な、というふうに考えたときに一番こうぱっと浮かぶのは、やはり、国によって人々の考え方、生活の仕方、そういったものがもう全く違ったりするということで、今の言葉で言えば「多様性」みたいなところを強く感じます。いろいろな方々とIFLAの活動などを通じて話をするときに、あ、こういうものの捉え方があるんだな、っていうふうになって、しかも、それがまた図書館っていう世界にも反映されていて、同じライブラリー、図書館といっても、日本のものとそれぞれの国のものとがまったく違ってるっていうところが見取れて。そうしたことをお互いに理解するというのが「国際的な図書館司書」っていうところに欠かせないのかなという、そんな捉え方といいましょうか。考えに至っています。ところが、変化はありましたかという、これなかなか鋭い質問だなと思ったんですけれども。(海外の図書館・図書館司書に)接すれば接するほど、逆に共通点も見えてくるという面白さがあります。

[00:05:35] こんなに違うんだっていうふうに思ってても、実はどこかでつながってる部分も数多くあるという。違うものが先に見えて、その後に何か共通なものが見えてくる。そんなことをこの3番の質問の中で感じました。

[00:05:57] なるほど、とても共感します。ありがとうございます。
それでは次の質問です。CPDWL分科会に関わるようになった経緯を教えてください。IFLAにはたくさんの分科会があると思うんですけども、その中で、特にCPDWLをお選びになった理由がございましたら教えてください。

[00:06:28] 背景は二つあります。一つはCPDWLの委員を務める前に、Education & Training のセクションの委員を務めておりました。そのセクションでeducationは自分の職業と結びつきますから、これはそのままその通りなんですが、トレーニングということに関して、やはりきちんと何か自分の中でも位置づけた方がいいだろうな、というのが一つの背景にあります。それを考えた時に、今のIFLAのセクションの中ではCPDWLがそれを生かせるのではないかということで、貢献できればと考えて参加することを認めいただいたということになります。もう一つは、自分の研究の中で、自分の研究が情報サービス、日本だとリファレンスサービスに当たるのですが、それもコンピテンスを高めるには、という研究をここ十数年何らかの形でやっていまして。そういったこととの結びつきということももう一つはあります。

[00:07:58] なるほど。何年くらいCPDWLに係わっていらっしゃいますか。

[00:08:07] ちょっと厳しい質問ですが、委員になって2年ほど、1年とかここで新しくなりますけれどもIFLAの分科会では時間の許す限りのところで、そうですね、3年ぐらい前からでしょうか、IFLAのCPDWLのジルさんとEducation & Training (Section) の時に知り合いになるきっかけがありまして。その影響もまたあるということですね。

[00:08:48] なるほど、ありがとうございます。次の質問ですが、CPDWL、もしくはIFLA全体について、特に心に残ってるようなことがございましたら教えてください。

[00:09:04] はい、ちょっと固い言葉で「ロゴス」と「パトス」という、哲学的な用語でもあるけれど。皆さん議論してるときにきちんとしたロジックといいますか、論理で議論しているんだけれども、ひとたび終わると非常に情熱的なというか熱情的な、そのパトスの世界でやりとりが進むというそこの対比が、毎年どこの場面でもそれが強く印象に残っています。IFLAでライブラリーツアーとか最終日にありますけれど、そういったバスの中で交わす会話は、それぞれの背景のいろんな方がいらっしゃるので熱情的な語り口でお話になるんだけれども、いざセッションになると、そういったところよりは、それぞれの考え方を論理的にご説明されたり報告されたりっていう、そこの対比が面白いなというふうに感じています。

[00:10:28] 面白いですね。それでは次に、図書館司書という職業について教えていただきたいのですけれども。先生にとって、図書館司書という職業で最も面白いと感じることは何でしょうか。

[00:10:46] 自分が関心を持っている図書館が公共図書館と学校図書館ということもあるんですけれども、やはり住んでいる人達に対して、あるいは子供たちや先生方に対して、いろんな活動をしてそれぞれの生活であったり学習であったり、そういったことを支えているところの喜びがあるというか、そこが一番面白いところかなと。

[00:11:20] なかなか他の人を支えて、そしてそこで喜びを自分がまた得られるという職業はなかなかないと思ってるものですから、そういった点で貴重な職業だなと。その点が図書館員にとっては最も面白いものになるんじゃないかなと、また、なってほしいなというふうに思っています。

[00:11:50] そうですよね。何かしたことによって感謝してもらえることがまた糧になるという、そんな気がします。それでは次の質問です。図書館司書や図書館情報学の研究者に対して、専門的能力の向上に関するアドバイスやキャリアアップのヒントがございましたら教えていただけますか。

[00:12:18] あまりアドバイスのようなものってできるとは思ってないんですが、それでもこんなこともあるかなっていうのを申し上げると、図書館司書の方に対して、あるいは図書館情報学の研究者に対して同じ意味合いになるんですが、「お互いを理解しましょう」という話にまずはなると思うんですね。日本の事情なのかもしれませんが、なんとなくそれぞれが分かれてしまいがちになるんですね。

[00:12:56] 図書館司書の方は図書館情報学の研究者は自分たちとは何か異質なもの、逆に図書館情報学の研究者の方も図書館司書とは何か一線を画しているような、そんなところがやっぱり少なからずあるので、お互いを理解することが必要かなということがまず第一に思います。ただこれだけだと抽象的なので、図書館司書の方にはやはり、いろんな研究ってどういうことなのかなということをもっと知っていただくとご自身のキャリアアップなどにもつながると思いますし。図書館情報学の研究者の方は、かつては図書館にお勤めの方なども結構いらっしゃるんですけども、(研究者に)なるとだんだん疎遠になってしまうので、そうではなくて、むしろ図書館の現場に入り込んで研究というような実践的な研究がもっとあるといいのかな、というふうに個人的には思っています。

[00:14:10] そうですよね。おっしゃる通りだと思います。
それでは次の質問です。日本図書館協会の理事長という役目で重要なことをひとつ挙げるとすれば、それはどのようなことでしょうか。

[00:14:29] そうですね。

[00:14:32] これも日本の事情がやっぱりあるんですが、やはり図書館員の専門職制度をやはり少しでも整備することにつなげる活動ができればなというのが、今の自分の大きな役割だと思っています。ただ、それだけ言うと図書館員のためだけの組織のように思ってしまうんですが、そうではなくて、図書館員を支えていく、図書館員の専門職性をきちんと整えることによって、その先にある日本の、日本で言えば日本の人々が豊かな生活ができる、的確な情報を得て適切な判断ができるようになるという、そういったことを目指しているというところになります。ちょっとかっこいい言い方しかできないのですが、そんなことを考えています。

[00:15:29] なるほど。すみません、質問が前後してしまいましたがもうひとつ。もし大学教員以外の職業を目指すとすれば、先生はどんな職業を選んだでしょうか。

[00:15:47] 難しい質問だから飛ばしていただいたのかと思ってしまいましたが。

[00:15:58] 正直なところ大学の教員を辞めたいなと思ったときは何度もあって、その時にはなにか転職できればなと思ったんですが、なかなかそれも難しいなと思っていますけれども。もし今から若返ってこんなことができたらなということならば、人があまり来ないところにまず行ってみます。そうすると職業として成り立つかどうかは別なんですが、山岳隊員になってみたいなというふうには思っています、山岳の案内人ですね。これは山登りが好きで、歩き回るのが好きだからということにも関係していますけれどもね。

[00:16:55] 楽しそうですね。また全く違った感じで、自然の中で。

[00:17:02] 違い過ぎます。

[00:17:06] でも今はWiFiもありますので、もしかしたらやっぱり人と繋がってしまうことになるかもしれませんね。

[00:17:16] そうですね、どこへ行っても繋がるのはいいところでもあるし、ちょっと煩わしいところでもありますね。

[00:17:28] では最後に、先生のウェブサイトやソーシャルメディアなど、もし今日聴いてくださっている皆さんが小田先生のことをもっと知る方法がございましたら教えていただけますか。

[00:17:42] 実は自分自身がアナログ人間なのかもしれませんが、自分のウェブサイトは開いていませんし、ソーシャルメディアは使いたくないという変な意地がありまして。ここを見ればというのはなくて、もちろん勤め先の紹介のページなどはありますけどそれはあくまで仕事に関係した情報しかないので、もし何かをお知りになりたいということがあれば、直接メールでご連絡くださるのが一番良いかと思います。それからもっといいのは、今年は残念ですけれども、来年以降IFLAで直接お会いするというのが一番いいのかもしれないというふうに思っています。

[00:18:42] そうですね、やっぱり直接お話するのが一番ですよね。私もそう思います。

[00:18:51] きちんとお答えできずに申し訳ありません。

[00:18:55] とんでもないです。

[00:20:18] 今日は、小田先生、本当にお忙しいところありがとうございました。

[00:20:24] こちらこそありがとうございました。これをお聴きになっている皆さんとまたIFLAの会場でお会いできると嬉しいなというふうに思っています。

[00:20:35] そうですね。それでは皆さんも聴いてくださってありがとうございました。

English Transcript/Translation

[00:00:03] Hi, this is Raymond Pun, Welcome to the IFLA CPDWL Podcast Project. In this space, we talk with library and information professionals who support and participate in professional development work. Today’s guests are Dr. Hiromi Kubo, an academic librarian from Fresno State and Dr. Mitsuhiro Oda, CPDWL Section member, Professor of Library and Information Studies in Aoyama Gakuin University, and President of the Japan Library Association. Dr. Hiromi Kubo will be conducting the conversation in Japanese.

[00:00:41] Welcome to the IFLA CPDWL Podcast Project. In this space, we talk with library and information professionals who support and participate in professional development work. I am speaking with Dr. Mitsuhiro Oda, CPDWL Section member, Professor of Library and Information Studies in Aoyama Gakuin University, and President of the Japan Library Association.

[00:01:13] Nice to meet you, Dr. Oda.

[00:01:17] Yes, nice to meet you.

[00:01:19] First of all, if you had to describe yourself using only one word, what word would it be?

[00:01:28] I’m wondering if you started with a not-so-easy question.

[00:01:36] I think the word “Asobi (play)” is the right word for me to express in Japanese. The word “Asobi” in Japanese has several meanings, but besides the meaning of playing, it also means that there is a little bit of room (in the connecting parts of the machine, for example), which I think suits me well. Imagine that you are driving a car. When you turn the wheel to the right, the car doesn’t turn all of a sudden: the tires don’t move right away. This is the part of driving that we call “Asobi” in Japanese, and I feel it’s similar to that in myself.

[00:02:25] It’s interesting! My next question is…. What compelled you to become a Professor of Library and Information Studies? How did you get started?

[00:02:38] First of all, I was surprised that such a field of library and information sciences, which was called “library science” when I started out, existed, and that’s how I got into this world. I studied a lot of things, but I was never very good at memorizing things, so I thought it would be easier to learn how to memorize things rather than trying to memorize them, which I admit was a bit of a cunning way of thinking. I thought this field would probably be useful for that kind of thing. Eventually, I had the opportunity to go to graduate school, and I came to the conclusion that I wanted to put myself in the position of a teacher.

[00:03:46] It’s very interesting. I hadn’t thought about the library and information science field in that way, so it was very interesting to hear from you.

[00:03:53] My next question. What does it mean to you to be an “international librarian”? Has that vision changed for you over the years?

[00:04:14] When I think of the word “international”, the first thing that comes to mind is the fact that people’s ways of thinking and living are completely different in each country. In today’s terms, I would call it “diversity”. When I talk to people through IFLA’s activities, I am reminded of the fact that there are different ways of understanding things. This is also reflected in the world of libraries, where even though we have the same library, there are differences between the libraries in Japan and those in other countries. I think that understanding each other is essential for an international librarian. That’s the way I see it. I thought that was a very insightful question, asking if there was any change in my thinking (of being an international librarian). It’s interesting to me that the more I come into contact with (libraries and librarians abroad), the more I see the similarities between them.

[00:05:35] Even though we may think we are so different; we realize that there are many aspects that are actually connected in some way. You see the differences first, and then you see the things you have in common. That’s what I felt in this question.

[00:05:57] I can relate to that very much. So, my next question is how you became involved in the CPDWL Section. I know there are many sections in IFLA, but what made you choose the CPDWL among them?

[00:06:28] There are two backgrounds. One is that prior to serving on CPDWL, I was in the Education and Training Section. While education is directly linked to my profession, I thought it would be better to position myself in some kind of a proper way with regard to training. When I thought about it, I thought I could make use of my understanding and contribute to the CPDWL Section, and I was accepted to participate in CPDWL. Another thing is that I have been doing research on how to improve competence in information services, or reference services in Japan, for the last 10 years or so. That connection to those things is another reason I got involved with CPDWL.

[00:07:58] I see. How long have you been involved in CPDWL?

[00:08:07] This is a bit of a tough question. I’ve been in the section for about two years, or a year or so, and I’m fairly new, but I’ve been on IFLA sections for as long as time permits. About three years ago, I had the opportunity to get to know Jill from CPDWL when I was in the Education & Training Section. She also inspired me to get involved with CPDWL.

[00:08:48] I see. Would you share with us a memorable moment you’ve had in particular about CPDWL, or IFLA in general?

[00:09:04] There is an interesting aspect of IFLA that reminds me of two slightly technical, or philosophical terms, “logos” and “pathos.” When IFLA members discuss in a formal session, they do so in a very logical way. But when the session is over, they speak in a very passionate or impassioned way, and from there the interaction takes place in a world of pathos. The contrast between these two modes has stuck with me every year. The conversations we have on the bus for the library tour on the last day of IFLA are very passionate, as people from various backgrounds talk about their experiences. However, when it comes to formal sessions, everyone explains and reports on their ideas logically rather than passionately. I find the contrast between the two to be interesting.

[00:10:28] That’s interesting. Now, I’d like to ask you to share your thoughts about the profession of librarianship. What are you most excited about in the library profession?

[00:10:46] Since my interests are in public libraries and school libraries, I find pleasure in supporting the lives and learning of people in the community, or children and teachers, through various activities. I think that’s the most interesting part of it.

[00:11:20] I don’t think there are many professions where you can support other people and get pleasure from it in return, so it’s a valuable profession in that respect. I think that’s the most interesting aspect for librarians, and that’s what I hope will be.

[00:11:50] You’re right. I think it’s the kind of profession where the gratitude you receive for doing something for others is a source of sustenance for you. So that brings me to my next question. Do you have any advice or tips for librarians and LIS researchers regarding professional development?

[00:12:18] I don’t think I can give you much advice, but I would say to librarians and to LIS researchers alike, “Let’s understand each other.” It may be a peculiar situation in Japan, but librarians and LIS researchers tend to be divided into different groups.

[00:12:56] Librarians tend to think of LIS researchers as somehow different from themselves, and conversely, LIS researchers are also distinct from librarians in more ways than one. So, I think the first thing we need to do is to understand each other. To be more specific, it would be helpful for librarians to learn more about various research topics and what it means to do research, which would help them to advance their own careers. For LIS researchers, there are many researchers who used to work at libraries, but once they become researchers, they are estranged from the field. Rather, I personally think it would be beneficial if there were more practical studies that would take place in the frontline of libraries.

[00:14:10] That’s right. I think you’re right. So, here’s my next question. If you had to name one important aspect of your role as president of the Japan Library Association, what would it be?

[00:14:29] Well, let me think.

[00:14:32] There are some circumstances that are unique to Japan, but I think my major role right now is to help improve the professional system for librarians as much as possible. It may sound like the organization is only for librarians, but it’s not. By supporting librarians and improving the professionalism of librarians, we aim to help the people of the local community, or the people of Japan in the case of JLA, to enrich their lives and to help them get accurate information and make appropriate decisions. It may be a bit too cool to say, but that’s what I’m thinking about.

[00:15:29] I see. Sorry, I asked the questions in the wrong order and skipped this one. If you were to pursue a career other than university faculty, what profession would you have chosen?

[00:15:47] I thought you skipped this question because it’s a difficult one.

[00:15:58] Honestly, there were times when I wanted to quit my job as a university professor, and I wished I could change my job in some way, but I thought that would be difficult to do. If I’m young again, I would try going to places where not many people visit. I don’t know if that would be a viable profession, but I would like to become a mountaineering expert, or a mountain guide. This is related to my love of mountain climbing and walking around.

[00:16:55] It sounds fun. Working in nature would be very different.

[00:17:02] It’d be completely different.

[00:17:06] But we have WIFI now, so maybe you’ll still be connected to people.

[00:17:16] Yeah, it’s nice to be connected everywhere you go, but it’s also a little bit annoying.

[00:17:28] Lastly, could you tell us if there are any ways for people listening today to learn more about you, such as your website, social media, etc.?

[00:17:42] Maybe I’m an analogue person myself, but I don’t have my own website and I have a weird streak of not wanting to use social media. Of course, there is my profile page on the website of the university I work for, but it’s only work-related information. If you’d like to know something, I think it’s best if you email me directly. And even better, although it’s not happening this year, it might be best to meet in person at IFLA next year or later.

[00:18:42] I think so, too, it’s best to meet and talk in person.

[00:18:51] I’m sorry I couldn’t answer your question well.

[00:18:55] You did great and it was a great conversation.

[00:20:18] Thank you so much for your time today, Dr. Oda.

[00:20:24] Thank you as well. I hope to see those who are listening to this today at IFLA.

[00:20:35] That’ll be great. Thank you all for listening.

Bibliotecas LAC: El impacto de la legislación de derechos de autor en América Latina y Caribe

Texto en español a continuación – English text below

Ebook Bibliotecas LAC: O impacto da legislação de direitos autorais na América Latina e no Caribe

A América Latina e o Caribe estão entre as regiões do mundo onde se concentram as legislações nacionais de direitos de autor mais restritivas no que se refere ao acesso à informação. Neste contexto, as associações nacionais de bibliotecários abraçaram a proposta
da Seção da América Latina e Caribe da IFLA para desenvolver um estudo sobre essa realidade, envolvendo a percepção dos bibliotecários.

Neste espírito colaborativo é que a Comissão Brasileira de Direitos de Autor e Acesso Aberto (CBDA3) da FEBAB assumiu a tarefa de editar e publicar este E-Book com os resultados finais do Projeto da IFLA LAC que visa divulgar este esforço coletivo para dar maior visibilidade a este mapeamento e para mostrar mais um exemplo de trabalho em parceria. Os resultados foram obtidos em quinze países: Argentina, Brasil, Chile, Cuba, Equador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Haiti, Jamaica, México, Nicarágua, Panamá, Peru, República Dominicana, Trinidad e Tobago, proporcionaram distintas visões da realidade, tanto em termos nacional, como macro e regional.

O livro foi lançado em marco de 2020, e está disponível no site da FEBAB http://www.febab.org.br/febab201603/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/LIVRO-FEBAB.pdf

 

Ebook Bibliotecas LAC: El impacto de la legislación de derechos de autor en América Latina y Caribe

América Latina y el Caribe es una región con alta concentración de países sin o con pocas limitaciones y excepciones a los derechos de autor y derechos conexos específicamente para las bibliotecas, archivos y museos. Incluso cuando estas limitaciones y excepciones existen, en la mayoría de casos no están adecuadamente adaptadas al ámbito digital. Solamente con la presencia de limitaciones y excepciones modernas en las leyes nacionales y con instrumentos o tratados internacionales, dichas instituciones culturales podrán continuar ofreciendo sus servicios y productos con la calidad necesaria y, principalmente, asegurando el acceso democrático, igualitario y de derecho a todos los ciudadanos.

Con el objetivo de actuar en ese contexto, el Comité Permanente de la Sección para América Latina y el Caribe de la Federación Internacional de Asociaciones de Bibliotecas e Instituciones (IFLA LAC) realizó, en 2016, el proyecto integrado “Impacto de la legislación sobre los derechos de autor en las bibliotecas en América Latina y el Caribe”, cuyo objetivo era identificar y registrar las principales dificultades, problemas y situaciones que las bibliotecas enfrentan diariamente en la situación de trabajo, causados por la falta de actualización, la complejidad o la ausencia de leyes nacionales de derechos de autor en la región.

Este libro tiene la pretensión de servir como instrumento de apoyo para los profesionales de la región en lo concerniente a: (a) el desarrollo de estrategias y acciones más contundentes para buscar el equilibrio legal en sus países em lo que se refiere a la Ley de derechos de autor, (b) la identificación de los principales puntos de debate sobre el tema de las limitaciones y excepciones al derecho de autor, (c) la inserción de la temática en el programa y disciplinas de los cursos de graduación y programas de posgrado en biblioteconomía y ciencia de la información de los diferentes países y, finalmente, (d) la divulgación de los resultados aquí alcanzados con los países de América Latina y el Caribe, de modo a establecer una red de intercambio y apoyo entre los profesionales de la región.

En este espíritu de colaboración, en marzo de 2020 se lanzó el libro, la Comisión Brasileña de Derechos de Autor y Acceso Abierto de la FEBAB (CBDA3) asumió la tarea de editar y publicar este libro electrónico con los resultados finales. Quince países decidieron participar: Argentina, Brasil, Chile, Cuba, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Haití, Jamaica, México, Nicaragua, Panamá, Perú, República Dominicana, Trinidad y Tobago.

Libro disponible en el sitio web de FEBAB http://www.febab.org.br/febab201603/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/LIVRO-FEBAB.pdf

 

Ebook LAC Libraries: The impact of copyright legislation in Latin America and the Caribbean

At the 2016 World Library and Information Congress in Columbus, an extraordinary conference session saw librarians from sixteen Latin American and Caribbean countries explain in detail how their domestic copyright laws were not keeping up with the promise of the digital age. This book, is an essential document, as it contains the first-hand experience of librarians struggling to work within laws that in many cases do not even serve the library of the print age. These essays are crucial evidence for library advocacy, to be used by all of us who want to see change.

Barely half of the world’s countries have any provisions for fundamental library activities such as preservation, or making copies for research or study. In Latin America and the Caribbean, the situation is particularly sub-optimal, with six countries (Argentina, Brazil, Costa Rica, Haití, Suriname, Uruguay) having no copyright exception for libraries.

Which is why this book is so important.

In a collaborative spirit, FEBAB’s Brazilian Commission on Copyright and Open Access (CBDA3) took on the task of editing and publishing this E-Book in March 2020, which aims to disseminate this collective effort to give greater visibility to this study and to show one more example of working in partnership. We present the results obtained in fifteen countries involved: Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Cuba, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Haiti, Jamaica, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Peru, Dominican Republic, Trinidad and Tobago.

Book available on the FEBAB website http://www.febab.org.br/febab201603/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/LIVRO-FEBAB.pdf

 

 *Text based on the prefaces of the book.