Governing Board Elections
2007-2009
Statement of Candidacy
For the postition of Governing Board Member
2007-2009
Helena Asamoah-Hassan
(Ghana)
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University Librarian
Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology
KNUST Library
KUMASI, Ghana
Tel. +(233)(51)60133
Fax +(233)(51)60358
Email: maadwoa2000@yahoo.com
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Since 1980 when I became active in national Library Association work, I have closely followed IFLA's objects and activities. I seized the opportunity in 2002 and became a member of the Standing Committee of the Africa Section and I am now its Chairperson. I have not regretted working with IFLA.
I have had the opportunity of working in various types of libraries in 2 African countries and so concluded that libraries all over the world need to cooperate extensively with each other and with other related institutions, in order to strengthen their positions and be of good use to the community they serve. Working with IFLA is the sure way of sustaining this.
IFLA has values, roles, and activities aimed at achieving global freedom of access to information and expression; information literacy and lifelong learning and the furtherance of human rights. Some library associations and institutions are not very much aware of these activities of IFLA so I intend to launch an increased advocacy, with support from my colleagues, of what IFLA stands for.
IFLA's position as the global voice for libraries and library personnel needs to be strengthened and consolidated with dynamic leadership that demonstrates its global nature. I will push for, close monitoring of the workings of its Core Activities and 3 Pillars; facilitation of partnerships among Sections in order to extend their reach strategically; increased tempo in aggressive marketing of IFLA to ensure improved membership; new means to network/communicate with librarians who cannot attend IFLA conferences and so bring them into the global network. This network is critical for facilitation of information and knowledge sharing which will contribute to the support of practice and persuasive approach for isolated librarians to appreciate the importance of new trends in our profession and carry the objects of IFLA forward.
