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Editorial: 'Internationally speaking...'
I'm delighted that this issue of Impact takes the theme of international librarianship. This is my second year in the post of Hon. International Relations Officer for the Group and I'm still discovering the breadth of the position. Our international activities include fund raising for book projects, supporting Voluntary Service
Overseas (VSO) librarians, playing host to visiting library and information workers, and organising study tours. It also involves working closely with the International Committee of the Library Association and with the International Group (IGLA) to develop our work on international issues.
The post of International Relations Officer brings me into contact with librarians from all over the world, which is a real privilege. Many of the issues we face in the UK are the same as those abroad, but others are different. I find it a humbling experience to learn about the stories and achievements of librarians across the world, particularly in developing countries where librarians are delivering services in very difficult circumstances and with limited resources, but achieving tremendous results. My own early childhood was spent in Uganda where library provision was limited and any visit to a library involved a long journey but was still a magical experience, although it was seen as a luxury rather than a right. Over twenty years later there is still a need to improve library services in places like Uganda.
In this issue of Impact you will find the Group's revised International Policy statement (which was agreed at National Council), an up-date from Lisa Krolak, our VSO librarian in Belize, and details about our forthcoming study tour to Lithuania. You may also be interested in the piece about IFLA 2002 in Glasgow - an event not to be missed!
And, finally, I would like to thank all those who responded to my article in the July 1999 issue of Impact on Jubilee 2000. You may have heard by now that the British government has agreed to cancel the UK debts of some of the poorest countries in the world. This is really good news.
If you have any comments or suggestions about furthering our international activities, or would like further details about the Career Development Group’s International work, please get in touch.
Ayub Khan
Hon. International Relations Officer
Children’s Office, Central Library, Chamberlain Square, Birmingham B3 3HQ.
E-mail: khan@ayubk.freeserve.co.uk
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