The 51st International Association of School Librarianship (IASL) Annual Conference, along with the 26th International Forum on Research in School Librarianship, took place in the beautiful city of Rome, Italy. From July 17 to July 21, 2023, educators, researchers, and school librarians from around the world gathered to discuss the theme of “Flourishing School Libraries: Research, Policy, Practice.” This remarkable event provided a platform for knowledge sharing, collaboration, and celebrating achievements within the field of school librarianship.
RECOGNITION AND ACHIEVEMENT:
The conference was not only a place to learn and grow; it was also an occasion to acknowledge and honor exceptional individuals who have made significant contributions to their communities. It also serves to provide awareness of the total range of information and communication technology
However, Ify Evangel Obim was among those recognized this year as a dedicated and enthusiastic member from the University of Nigeria community.
On Tuesday, July 18, the esteemed IASL 2020 Jean Lowrie Leadership Award was presented to Obim been selected as the recipient of the 2020 Jean Lowrie Leadership Development Grant.
The award ceremony was graced by the presence of Professor Jennifer Branch-Mueller, the IASL President, from the University of Alberta in Edmonton, Canada on behalf of the Awards Committee of the International Association of School Librarianship (IASL). It was a fitting recognition of Obim’s continuous efforts and accomplishments in advancing school library development and enriching the lives of school children.
CONTRIBUTIONS AND IMPACT:
As the recipient of the Jean Lowrie Leadership Award, it’s a recognition as having stood out through her unwavering commitment to enhancing the educational experiences of students and school children within her university community. Ify Evangel Obim’s 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.
Similarly, Ify Evangel Obim’s remarkable achievements reflect her deep involvement in the development and implementation of innovative programs, 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.
Basically, the 51st IASL Annual Conference in Rome provided an exceptional opportunity to celebrate successes, share experiences, and learn from the best practices in the field of school librarianship. The recognition bestowed on Ify Evangel Obim with the Jean Lowrie Leadership Award is a testament to her tireless efforts and profound impact on the lives of students and school children within our university community.
From the enriching conference, Ify Evangel Obim have carried the extra spirit of dedication, enthusiasm, and a commitment to excellence in her work within the realm of school librarianship. Ify Evangel Obim would continue to shape the future of education by supporting the creation of flourishing school libraries that empower and inspire the next generation.
On the basis of this, acknowledging the achievements of Obim’s colleagues serves as a reminder that our collective contributions can shape the world of education and leave a lasting impact on the lives of students and school children. Let us continue to strive for excellence, champion innovation, and create spaces where young minds can flourish and reach their full potential.
It’s worthy to note that among the conference activities were Workshops, Paper Presentations, Awards Ceremony, IASL Gala Dinner, Regional Meetings and AGM.
To cap it all, I, Ify Evangel Obim seize this opportunity to say IASL 2023, thank you for an incredible conference experience filled with knowledge, inspiration, and celebration. Until we meet again!
Ify Evangel Obim, CLN
*Lecturer*
Department of Library and Information Science,
University of Nigeria, Nsukka.
ify.obim@unn.edu.ng
