John Tsebe's main discussions included legislation concerning the Library and Information Services (LIS), he shortly referred to the legislative framework. Background was given on the National Council of Library and Information Services (NCLIS) and the act that established the need. The 6th draft commissioned by Department of Arts and Culture (DAC) and he National Council of Library and Information Services (NCLIS) was handed to us and their role was outlined. He shared with the group NCLIS's strategic direction regarding vision and mission. What touched me was the role that LIS have to play in the whole scenario of enhancing, promoting and support a culture of reading and position ourselves as the best informed nation. John also touched on the close relationships with LIASA and their active role in IFLA.
Leading LIASA & LIASA leading the profession
When I re-entered my career as Librarian in 1996 I was appointed in the Interlibrary loans -and shortly after that I became acquainted with LIASA and was in a very vague way involved with establishing the ILL interest group. I then became an Information Specialist and my connection with LIASA somehow disappeared. Now again for the very first time I really became aware of the huge role of LIASA in the profession and I actually feel a little sad about the fact that I have not been more involved! After Naomi Haasbroek addressed us on LIASA I was surprised by all their strategic partners. Although they have a strong face in LIS they still face quite a few challenges. Appreciated in what they contribute to the profession though.
Next generation librarians
Prof Theo Bothma instigated a discussion with an interactive session on how does the librarian look currently, what do want to achieve to change accordingly for the future - what will our characteristics be? One important fact was that we do have to take responsibility for our own future and how do we do that? Life-long learning! This was an interesting and critical discussion on the profession, we need to move out of our comfort zones.
Our next speaker Rene Schoombee gave a very practical and informal overview of her own experiences as the next generation - the goal - moving forward - take the chance - and do it! Although this was not applicable to all sectors in the library field I am sure that the public and community librarians in the group must have been inspired by her enthusiasm, but unfortunately I personally am not sure if she really shared valuable knowledge.
PAMOJA - was next on the agenda and Ujala was back!
Before we could actually engage in PAMOJA we first had to finish the second part of the Campbell Leadership Descriptor Tool. We looked at developmental strategies and what our personal action plan will contain. An important element here was that your strategy must be a plan in how to become a different person. What are the things I can do to improve myself?
Then the games began!!! PAMOJA. This was about group vs team dynamics.
Ujala explained to us what PAMOJA meant and the following is a good descriptor:
In Kiswahili Pamoja means together. This name reflects our organization's commitment to work with communities for peace, justice and economic development ...
The group was divided into groups, each group had to create a country (information was handed to each group) and build information centres. Each country represented a specific colour and in each country the team members were assigned a role, e.g. country representatives, ambassadors and gatekeepers. The currency used was called Mojas and there was a bank and a donor organisation. Trade and negotiate was the objective. When the game began everybody was confused and not sure of what was expected or what they should do, but as the time went on negotiating, bribing and honest business became so interlinked, but what was of importance was that in a group each person had a specific role to fulfil in order to succeed as team. A complete explanation and outline of the game are summarised in the ppt.
In our discussion after the game it became clear that not everybody was sure what exactly they had to do, but ever they tried at least to do something. The purpose was to actually see the bigger picture and this does not only concern the organisation but also what is viewed by other outside the organisation - interaction with other organisations. We all actually had great fun, lots of laughing and learning.
