African Library Summit 2011 : The Future of African Librarianship, 11 May - 13 May 2011, Report

Abstract

It is with great pleasure that I herewith present the first African Library Summit Report, 2011. This Report is one of three significant publications that have seen the light as part of the African Library Summit endeavours to communicate and disseminate Summit information. It is presented in two parts, namely part one that contains the Summit background and details and part two which indicates the Summit outcomes. Two important sister documents are the Framework for African Library Development: Outcomes of the African Library Summit, and the Summit proceedings. The idea to host an African Library Summit was born from the continuous need expressed by Library colleagues that a forum should be established where leaders in our profession may collaborate, share, discuss and address the issues and realities confronting African librarianship. My work with IFLA and the international breadth of its vision further informed my reflection on how to address this need. These two factors, together with my experience of the cumulative speed of change in our profession over the last thirty years (the future is upon us) and the responsibility of steering several libraries through that change, was the inspiration for the African Library Summit. The Summit was conceived as a forum that would not only bring about the connection needed between library leaders across the continent, but as a forum for a practical outcome in the form of an action plan that would offer guidance and direction for the future of our profession and the quality of the services we deliver. The African Library Summit might have remained a visionary dream if it were not for the generosity of our donors who supported the Summit. It is therefore likely that our donors will hear us express our gratitude for many years to come. A seed was sown and in time it will grow into a mighty and fruitful tree with roots right across the African continent. Employees everywhere will tell you of the benefits gained when people meet together if only over a cup of mid-morning tea. However, as the Summit has shown, when people meet with intention the benefits are even greater. I would also like to thank all those who contributed to the organisation of the Summit. The efforts were deeply appreciated as the delegates’ standing ovation, received by those of you who could be present on the last day, will attest. Last but not least, I thank all our distinguished guests, speakers, provocateurs and delegates for their participation in this event and for taking time out from your demanding responsibilities to reflect and debate on the future direction of African librarianship. The candid and vibrant discussions, and the action plan we created together will stand us in good stead. Our work is just beginning and we have a lot to do, but we take strength from making this journey together. I am sure we are all looking forward to continue the debate in a follow up Summit in future.