Impact of Library Workshop

Dr. Premila Gamage, IFLA’s Impact Trainer conducted the workshop. A total of 30 librarians; community and public librarians from different states and regional divisions around Myanmar including such as Dawei (614.3 miles away from Yangon), Ayeyarwaddy (40 miles from Yangon), Mandalay (631 miles from Yangon), Shan State (over 800 miles away) and suburban area of Yangon; and MLA newly elected Executive Committee members and university librarians participated in this workshop.

The workshop began with an opening address by Patrons and President of MLA. Both patrons, and current MLA presidents, highlighted Myanmar (formerly Burma)’s long-standing relationship with IFLA, particularly MLA’s IFLA membership since 1995, and how it has contributed the development of MLA and library professionals in the country. The current President specifically mentioned how the IFLA’s Building Strong Library Association’s programme which MLA had from 2016-17 had a positive impact on MLA.  Patrons and the president delivered the remarks, emphasizing the role of librarians as advocates for their libraries and building capacity for impact for the librarians in Myanmar might be urgently required.

MLA was very pleased with the active participation of the librarians and responses received. As evident from the feedback from participants, the workshop was a significant step forward empowering Myanmar librarians to assess and communicate the value of their services effectively and efficiently. There was a strong desire to bring the same lessons to the regional level within the country, to allow for learning and follow up workshop for other librarians.

Source: https://www.ifla.org/news/learn-grow-impact/