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.

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ASIS&T South Asia Chapter Best Practices Sharing: An insight

Amrita Dash

April 23, 2021

Behind the scenes:
In 2017 at Washington D.C., Md. Anwarul Islam and Naresh (President-Elect, ASIS&T) talked to each other for the first time to frame the South Asia Chapter. As a New Leader Awardee of ASIS&T, Dr Anwar started working with Naresh Agarwal to establish the chapter. Based on the proposal the ASIS&T board approved the chapter in September 2018. At that time, ASIS&T had 14 regional chapters and 39 student chapters in different universities.

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Let’s Learn Something Worth: An Exclusive Interview with Mr Craig Lancaster Marr, the Librarian, International School Dhaka (ISD)

Mr Craig Lancaster Marr, working as the school librarian at the International School Dhaka (ISD) in Bangladesh. Ms Syeda Mukta Begum talked to him about his professional journey, the library profession and related issues to get some insights to learn from his experiences. The conversation is published as the special feature on our 18 Issue, Volume 04.

Craig Lancaster Marr

Craig Lancaster Marr

Please share us something about your personal life and professional life.

My name is Craig Lancaster Marr, known as Harry, and I am 50 years old and from the UK. I work as a Librarian at the International School Dhaka (ISD) in Bangladesh. For me, home is the UK and the Philippines where my wife and children currently live. I have a BA (Honours) degree in librarianship from Leeds Polytechnic (now called Leeds Beckett University) and I became a Chartered Associate of the Library Association (UK) in 1991. Becoming Chartered was more common in those days than doing a Master’s degree.

How long have you been working in International schools and where have you worked?

I have been a Librarian for over 30 years, starting out in public libraries in the UK before moving to college libraries. I left the UK in 2007 to start working internationally, and have worked in Japan, the UAE, Qatar, Libya, Saudi Arabia, and now Bangladesh.

What was your career in the UK before you worked internationally?

I started my career in public libraries (because there were more job opportunities in that sector when I graduated) but in 1996 I moved to London as a college librarian. In 2001 I returned to my home county of Lancashire where I worked as a Reference Librarian, a prison librarian and finally again as a college librarian. In 2007 I decided to work overseas to gain new experiences.

What do you think about how we can make an effective school Library?

Involve your students and teachers – invite and encourage class visits to share research skills lessons and literature appreciation, encourage staff and student recommendations for new stock purchases.

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