The 51st International Association of School Librarianship (IASL) Annual Conference, along with the 26th International Forum on Research in School Librarianship, took place within the year in Rome, Italy, from July 17 to 21.

It featured workshops, paper presentations, awards ceremony, IASL gala dinner, regional meetings and the Annual General Meeting (AGM).

The conference, which brought together educators, researchers and school librarians from around the world, may have come and gone but its echoes still reverberate.

Daily Sun gathered that the conference with the theme: “Flourishing School Libraries: Research, Policy, Practice,” provided a platform for knowledge sharing, collaboration, and celebrating achievements within the field of school librarianship.

A female lecturer in the Department of Library and Information Science, from one of Nigeria’s most prestigious institutions; the University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN), Ify Evangel Obim, was among those garlanded at the event on July 18, having won the esteemed IASL 2020 Jean Lowrie Leadership Award. She was selected as the recipient of the 2020 Jean Lowrie Leadership Development Grant.

According to Obim, the conference was not only a place to learn and grow; as it was also used to acknowledge and honour exceptional individuals who had made significant contributions to their communities. The activities further increased awareness of the total range of information and communication technology

An array of leading professionals in school librarianship were at the programme including the IASL President, Professor Jennifer Branch-Mueller, from the University of Alberta in Edmonton, Canada who represented the Awards Committee of the International Association of School Librarianship (IASL).

The award was a fitting recognition of Obim’s continuous efforts and accomplishments in advancing school library development and enriching the lives of school children.

Her dedication and passion have played a pivotal role in shaping the lives of young learners and creating an environment that fosters curiosity, growth, and a love for reading.

In fact, the award noted that Obim’s remarkable achievements reflected her deep involvement in the development and implementation of innovative programmes, initiatives, and policies aimed at nurturing flourishing school libraries. Her commitment to research, policy, and practice has had a profound impact on students’ learning outcomes and their overall engagement with information and knowledge.

One of her colleagues in UNN who wished not to be named said that the lecturer’s exploits in the field of school librarianship has brought honour to the citadel of learning.

From the enriching conference, Obim has carried the extra spirit of dedication, enthusiasm, and a commitment to excellence in her work within the realm of school librarianship.

“I will continue to shape the future of education by supporting the creation of flourishing school libraries that empower and inspire the next generation,” she told Daily Sun.

She paid glowing tribute to her colleagues, acknowledging that their achievements contributed to her success. She noted that this was a reminder that collective contributions can shape the world of education and leave a lasting impact on the lives of students and school children.

For Obim, school librarians must “continue to strive for excellence, champion innovation, and create spaces where young minds can flourish and reach their full potential.” (Daily Sun)

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