The New York Times Names its Top 10 Books of 2024
Published Dec. 3, 2024 Updated Dec. 5, 2024
At the Book Review, the team spends the entire year preparing for this moment. The process of selecting the annual best-of list begins in the spring, with heated debates over their favorite picks. By the fall, they were gearing up for intense discussions.
The goal is to highlight books that have left a lasting impact: stories that have resonated deeply and examinations of lives that have broadened their understanding of what they thought they already knew.
These books are explored in a special edition of the Book Review podcast, with three selections analysed in a concise video. For more recommendations, readers can explore the full list of 100 Notable Books of 2024 or browse through a collection of every book named the best since 2000.
Reid revitalisation: The University of Western Australia’s landmark library reimagined
Photo: from website University of Western Australia
Located in the center of UWA’s Crawley campus, the Reid Library has been a symbol of knowledge and collaboration, attracting over one million visitors annually.
Since its opening in 1964, the library has served as a vital hub for students, providing various learning spaces for countless study sessions, group discussions, and quiet reflection.
Now, after six decades, level one of this student-focused space is nearing the completion of a major transformation, paving the way for a new era and the next generation of learners.
ISLM Career Counseling Club (ISLM3C) hosts a session for higher studies in Australia
Md. Anwarul Islam
DU, Dhaka 20 December, 2024
Photo: ISLM Career Counseling Club (ISLM3C) hosts an engaging session on higher studies opportunities in Australia, featuring insights from Mrs. Rowshon Akter, a recipient of the Australian Leadership Award and Monash University graduate.
The ISLM Career Counseling Club (ISLM3C) of the Department of Information Science and Library Management (ISLM), University of Dhaka, organised a session titled –Exploring Higher Studies Opportunities in Australia: Your Pathway to Global Success.
Approximately 100 students from various semesters attended the session and actively engaged in discussions about higher education opportunities, challenges, and future prospects shared by the speaker, Mrs. Rowshon Akter, a faculty member of the ISLM Department.
Global Media and Information Literacy Week 2024: University of Dhaka Marks Significant Event
Md. Anwarul Islam
DU, Dhaka 20 December, 2024
Photo: The New Digital Frontiers of Information: Media and Information Literacy for Public Interest Information
Global Media and Information Literacy (MIL) Week is celebrated worldwide from October 24 to 31. This year, the Department of Information Science and Library Management (ISLM) at the University of Dhaka, in collaboration with UNESCO Dhaka and the South Asia Chapter of the Association for Information Science and Technology (ASIS&T), organised a seminar titled “The New Digital Frontiers of Information: Media and Information Literacy for Public Interest Information.”
The seminar featured Honorable Pro-Vice Chancellor (Academic) Professor Dr. Mamun Ahmed as Chief Guest. Special guests included UNESCO Dhaka’s Communication and Information Sector Lead Ms. Noore Jannat Proma and Dr. Md. Moniruzzaman, former head of the United Nations Information Center, Dhaka.
Leading Libraries into the Future: An Exclusive Interview with Lbrn Dominic Omokaro, President of the Nigerian Library Association
Prodip Roy, Melbourne
Photo: Lbrn Dominic Omokaro, President and Chairman of Council, Nigerian Library Association (NLA).
The Librarian Times is honored to present an exclusive interview with Lbrn Dominic Omokaro, President and Chairman of Council, Nigerian Library Association (NLA). On the sidelines of the prestigious IFLA Information Future Summit 2024 in Brisbane, the editor of The Librarian Times had the privilege of sitting down with Lbrn Omokaro to discuss his remarkable journey as the 22nd president of the NLA.
As a seasoned librarian and passionate advocate for the profession, Lbrn Omokaro shares insights into his leadership experiences, notable achievements, and vision for the future of libraries in Nigeria. From navigating post-COVID challenges to embracing technological advancements, he offers a unique perspective on the evolving role of libraries in the digital age.
In this engaging conversation, Lbrn Omokaro reflects on his presidency, highlighting key initiatives, collaborations and strategies for addressing the challenges facing Nigerian libraries. His thoughts on the impact of AI, literacy promotion and community engagement provide valuable lessons for librarians globally.
Summit Spotlight: Highlights from Day 3 of IFLA Information Future Summit 2024
Prodip Roy, Brisbane, Australia
The IFLA Information Future Summit successfully completed its three-day programme, delving into the future of knowledge and information through the lens of trends, values, and mission alignment. The event, held from September 30 to October 2, 2024, at the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre in Australia, brought together experts from around the world to discuss the trends shaping the library environment and how to align these with core values and missions.
Key Highlights of Day 3
Ana Filipa Vrdoljak Highlights Importance of Libraries as Public Common Good
The summit featured keynote speakers: Ana Filipa Vrdoljak, Professor of Law at the University of Technology Sydney and UNESCO Chair on International Law and Cultural Heritage
At the IFLA Information Future Summit 2024, renowned expert Ana Filipa Vrdoljak emphasised the vital importance of libraries and archives in fostering free, equitable, and inclusive societies. Despite facing numerous challenges, libraries are increasingly recognised internationally as essential institutions.
Ana cited key frameworks that underscore libraries’ critical role including:
- IFLA-UNESCO Public Library Manifesto 2022
- MONDIACULT Final Declaration 2022
- UNESCO Framework for Culture and Arts Education 2024
Emphasise libraries’ role in promoting:
- Human rights
- Sustainable development
- Peace and stability as a global common good.
The Information Futures Summit Concludes with a Visionary Brisbane Declaration.
The IFLA Information Future Summit concluded its three-day conference, fostering in-depth discussions on the future of knowledge and information. The event focused on both emerging trends and aligning library environments with core values and missions.
Shaping the Future of Information: IIFS 2024 Day 2 Recap
Prodip Roy- Brisbane, Australia
The second day of the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) Information Futures Summit (IIFS) 2024 kicked off with a captivating virtual conversation between Carla Hayden, 14th U.S. Librarian of Congress, and Kate Zwaard, Director of Digital Strategy at the Library of Congress. They joined live from Washington D.C., and shared insights on the future of information from the perspective of the world’s largest library.
Hayden and Zwaard discussed their strategic plans to stay ahead of the curve, emphasising innovation, community engagement, and leadership. They highlighted the importance of collaboration, digital transformation, and adapting to emerging technologies.
International library leaders gather in Brisbane for landmark summit 2024
Prodip Roy, Brisbane, Australia
The city is set to become the hub of global library innovation as the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) Information Futures Summit (IIFS) 2024 kicks off on September 30.
The three-day conference, running until October 2, will convene at the state-of-the-art Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre (BCEC).
This highly anticipated event promises to be a pivotal moment for library professionals, technologists, policymakers, and experts from diverse fields to converge and shape the future of libraries and information services.
Under the theme Stronger Together, IFLA President Vicki McDonald delivered a welcome speech, setting the tone for a collaborative and forward-thinking summit. With her wealth of experience as a senior leader in the library sector, having worked across public, academic, and research libraries, McDonald is uniquely positioned to inspire and guide the global library community.
Themed around navigating the complexities of the information landscape, IIFS 2024 promises to be a pivotal event for library professionals, technologists, policymakers, and experts from diverse fields. The summit boasts an impressive lineup of keynote speakers and panellists who will share visionary insights and expertise, shaping the future of libraries and information services.
Building an open society: Advancing open science through collaborative workshop
Md. Anwarul Islam
The “Dynamic Convergence” Open Science workshop brought together global experts to advance Open Science.
Md. Anwarul Islam, Professor in the Department of Information Science and Library Management at the University of Dhaka, participated in the “Dynamic Convergence” Open Science workshop held in Washington, D.C. on September 18-19, 2024. Organised by the Open Research Community Accelerator (ORCA) in collaboration with CERN, UNESCO, NASA, and the National Science Foundation (NSF), the event brought together approximately 100 participants from 31 countries.