[Michlib-l] Chelsea District Library Announces Professional Exchange Program with South Africa

[Bill Harmer]

Dear Colleagues,

I wanted to share a few words about an exciting new endeavor for the
Chelsea District Library.

I had such a wonderful experience visiting Cape Town and the rest of South
Africa during my visit there in April 2013 as part of the Bill & Melinda
Gates Foundation Peer Learning Meeting. One of the best experiences I had
was visiting Sue Alexander and her wonderful library in Masiphumelele. I
was moved by the many wonderful things that she and her staff members do
for the community. It was during my visit to Cape Town and her library that
I came up with the idea of a professional exchange program between our two
libraries, which will take place from May 25 to June 20, 2015.

The exchange program will function as a professional training program for
two qualified staff members (Emily Meloche from Chelsea, and Nosiviwe
Lutuli from South Africa) to advance developmental goals for capacity
building, acquiring knowledge, skill, professional contacts, and
friendships to help our two libraries broaden their impact as the go-to
resource for building a culture of enlightened, engaged, and empowered
citizens.

Mausiphumelele Community Library is redefining how public institutions such
as libraries can strengthen the foundations of community and civic
engagement through volunteering, participating in civic and social
organizations, participating in public dialogue and problem solving
sessions, and working to make a difference in their community. Emily will
meet with leading experts in her field across South Africa to gain new
insights and approaches to create positive, sustainable change, which she
will share with our community upon her return. Through careful study of
this program, Emily will be able to strengthen her capacity to influence
changes in new ways to our community.

We will accomplish these goals by exposing both Emily and Nosiviwe to new
practices in their areas of expertise, providing targeted training
opportunities, and providing the resources and skills necessary to make
informed decisions and implement what they have learned. The program will
also provide a unique opportunity for them to learn about life in the US
and South Africa through their stays with host families throughout the four
week program.

Working towards solutions to our challenges together, sharing knowledge,
ideas, and experiences on a community level will help support sustainable
progress and build stronger communities.

Exchange programs are important because library professionals need to be
successful in a business world that is globally competitive. A professional
exchange is an enriching experience on many levels. It affects both
professional and personal development, inspires creative ideas, enhances
relationships, and strengthens multicultural understanding. Community and
staff alike will experience firsthand different approaches to
librarianship, teaching styles, research, and education. Conducting
research, working, or teaching in a different environment presents new and
rewarding challenges. Interacting with new professionals offers a
perspective on your identify as a librarian, teacher or administrator in a
global community.

At the same time, Emily will serve as an ambassador for Chelsea, laying
important foundations for future exchanges and collaborations. The
community of Chelsea will also benefit further as we integrate new views
and material into our service scope, promote study abroad, practice
cross-cultural sensitivity in our daily interactions and lead the way in
appreciating the diversity of people and cultures.

Please join me in congratulating Emily on her exciting new journey.

Sincerely,

Bill Harmer
Director
Chelsea District Library
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