Mortenson Center for International Library Programs

07/10/2026

We are delighted to celebrate the participation of Dr. Clara M. Chu, Director of the Mortenson Center for International Library Programs, at the 6th Biennial Zimbabwe University Libraries Consortium (ZULC) Conference 2026, held from 7–9 July 2026 at Manna Resorts in Harare, Zimbabwe.

Dr. Chu served as a keynote speaker and also facilitated a workshop, contributing to important conversations around the conference theme, “Navigating the Digital Frontier: Transforming Library Services for Tomorrow.”

The conference brought together librarians, researchers, and policymakers to explore digital transformation, innovative service models, and the evolving role of academic libraries in Africa.

Through her keynote and workshop, Dr. Chu continued the Mortenson Center’s commitment to international knowledge exchange, professional development, and strengthening connections across the global library and information community.
We are proud to see the Mortenson Center represented at this important international gathering and to contribute to conversations shaping the future of libraries.

07/01/2026

Congratulations to the 2026 Mortenson Center Associates!

The Mortenson Center for International Library Programs warmly congratulates the graduates of the 2026 Associates Program. This year’s program brought together 13 exceptional leaders representing nine countries for professional and leadership development, enhanced by their rich diversity of perspectives, experiences, and expertise from across the global library and information field.

From June 1st to 24th, the Associates engaged in meaningful learning, professional exchange, and networking to strengthen libraries and empower communities under the theme of “Poised for Impact: Data, User, Strategy-Driven Libraries”. Their active participation underscores the Mortenson Center’s commitment to fostering international connections and developing library leaders worldwide.

We celebrate the 2026 Associates on their significant achievement and look forward to seeing the continued impact of their leadership and innovation in their home institutions, communities, and countries.

Pictured left to right, back row: Pablo Figueroa Lorenzo (Spain); Dominic Agyei (Ghana); Shri Ram (India); Lyudmila “Lucy” Tomova (Bulgaria); Sujin Yang (South Korea);

Pictured left to right, front row: Mary Ngure (Kenya); Jamillah Scott-Branch (Qatar); Amirah Al Sarraj (Qatar/Philippines); Asha Moncrieffe (Trinidad and Tobago/Jamaica); Elena Savova (Bulgaria); Junko Nakamura (Japan); Shinae Kim (South Korea); Hyeree Pyo (South Korea).

05/23/2026

Join us for a collaborative event, the ASIS&T Africa Chapter Book Discussion to commemorate Africa Day on 25 May 2026.

Centering scholarly communication in LIS education to advance social justice
Monday, 25 May 2026 | 9:00–10:00 AM CT / 4:00–5:00 PM CAT

Registration link below: https://www2.asist.org/ap/Events/Register/R1FNZqQCRC0CX

About the book
Mfengu, A. & Raju, R. (Eds.). 2025. Advancing social justice through curriculum realignment: Centering scholarly communication in LIS curricula. UCT Libraries Press. https://doi.org/10.15641/978.0.7992.2561.7

More details at https://calendars.illinois.edu/detail/7331?eventId=33553305

05/19/2026

This is starting shortly. Please join us...

The Mortenson Center, ALA, and IFLA invite libraries to commemorate World Refugee Day 2026 and join us for a World Refugee Day webinar.

Title: Libraries at the Heart of Integration and Inclusion: Data and Resources to Develop Refugee Services

Date and Time: May 19, 2026 at 10-11am CT (11am-12pm ET or 5-6pm CEST) - Check local time at https://www.worldtimebuddy.com/)

FREE Registration: https://go.illinois.edu/WRD

SPEAKERS
Prashant Kumar Ganta, Research Librarian, WBG Library, The World Bank Group. "Navigating Refugee Statistics: Exploring Evidence Based Resources on Global Refugee Data"
Inês M. Ferreira, Project Manager, European Bureau of Library, Information and Documentation Associations (EBLIDA). "The LiBri Project: Methods, Tools, and Key Insights"
Moderator:
Stephen Wyber, External Affairs Director, IFLA - International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions

Co-sponsors: The Mortenson Center for International Library Programs https://www.library.illinois.edu/mortenson/, the American Library Association (ALA) http://www.ala.org/, and the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) https://www.ifla.org/

For more information, see: https://publish.illinois.edu/projectwelcome/

05/08/2026

The Mortenson Center, ALA, and IFLA invite libraries to commemorate World Refugee Day 2026 and join us for a World Refugee Day webinar.

Title: Libraries at the Heart of Integration and Inclusion: Data and Resources to Develop Refugee Services

Date and Time: May 19, 2026 at 10-11am CT (11am-12pm ET or 5-6pm CEST) - Check local time at https://www.worldtimebuddy.com/)

FREE Registration: https://go.illinois.edu/WRD

SPEAKERS
Prashant Kumar Ganta, Research Librarian, WBG Library, The World Bank Group. "Navigating Refugee Statistics: Exploring Evidence Based Resources on Global Refugee Data"
Inês M. Ferreira, Project Manager, European Bureau of Library, Information and Documentation Associations (EBLIDA). "The LiBri Project: Methods, Tools, and Key Insights"
Moderator:
Stephen Wyber, External Affairs Director, IFLA - International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions

Co-sponsors: The Mortenson Center for International Library Programs https://www.library.illinois.edu/mortenson/, the American Library Association (ALA) http://www.ala.org/, and the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) https://www.ifla.org/

For more information, see: https://publish.illinois.edu/projectwelcome/

04/15/2026

Starting in an hour ~ Join us for the "AI USE IN INTERNATIONAL LIS EDUCATION" WEBINAR

The IFLA SET, in collaboration with the ALISE International Library Education SIG, is hosting a joint webinar on the use of AI in international LIS education. This session will bring together diverse global perspectives, showcasing how AI is being integrated and explored across LIS curricula, pedagogy, professional practice, and research. Presenters from various regions will share innovative approaches, case studies, and practical experiences that highlight both opportunities and challenges associated with incorporating AI into LIS education. Following the presentations, participants will be invited to engage in a discussion.
Date and Time:

Wednesday, April 15, 2026
10:00-11:00 am CDT (Check your local time using https://lnkd.in/gEP6RfDs)

Register at: https://lnkd.in/gJMxNxAw

Speakers:
Dr. Andrew Cox - Senior Lecturer, University of Sheffield
Dr. Bosire Onyancha - Professor, University of South Africa
Dr. Clara Chu - Director and Mortenson Distinguished Professor, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Dr. Dania Bilal - Professor, University of Tennessee in Knoxville
Dr. Soo Young Rieh - Brooke E. Sheldon Professor of Management and Leadership, University of Texas
Moderator:
Dr. Sandy Hirsh - Special Assistant to the Provost for AI Initiatives, San José State

04/06/2026

The Mortenson Center for International Library Programs https://www.library.illinois.edu/mortenson/ congratulates Barbara J. Ford, former director and Mortenson Distinguished Professor (2003 to 2014), who has been named an Honorary Member by the American Library Association. Read the full news release: bit.ly/4bPQkTW

03/23/2026

Join us for the webinar on
Decolonizing African Collections Through Open Access
Wednesday, March 25, 2026: 12:00-1:30pm CT (Check your local time using https://www.worldtimebuddy.com/ )
Register at: https://go.illinois.edu/DecolonizingAfricanCollection

SPEAKERS
Reggie Raju, Director, Research & Learning Services, University of Cape Town Libraries (South Africa) ~ The Paradox in Decolonizing African Collections
Andiswa Mfengu, Senior Lecturer and Head, Department of Knowledge and Information Stewardship, University of Cape Town (South Africa) ~ Decolonising African Collections Through Global Collaboration and Equity
Deborah LaFond, Associate Librarian, University at Albany Libraries and Jason Schultz, Collections Coordinator; Librarian for African American & Diaspora Studies/History/Islamic Studies, Vanderbilt University Heard Libraries (USA) ~ Advocacy for Decolonial Praxis of African Collections: Diamond Open Access Models and Networks

MODERATOR
Clara M. Chu, Director and Mortenson Distinguished Professor, Mortenson Center for International Library Programs; University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) Library (USA)

PROGRAM HOSTS and CONTACTS
Atoma Batoma, African Studies Librarian; Associate Professor, UIUC Library (USA) [email protected]
Adéyínká Àlásadé, Outreach Coordinator, Center for African Studies, UIUC (USA) [email protected]

Co-sponsored by the Center for African Studies, International and Area Studies Library at Illinois, and the Mortenson Center for International Library Programs at the University Library at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

01/16/2026

You are invited to a hybrid screening of "The Librarians" https://www.facebook.com/TheLibrariansFilm on Tuesday, January 27, 2026; 19:00-21:30 EST (Toronto local time). Trailer https://www.facebook.com/TheLibrariansFilm/videos/1721166088584435, which explores the critical issue of censorship in the United States. It is sponsored by IFLA’s North American Regional Division, IFLA’s Advisory Committee on Freedom of Access to information and Freedom of Expression (FAIFE), the Canadian Association of Research Libraries (CARL), University of Toronto Libraries, Toronto Metropolitan University Libraries, and York University Libraries.

There will be two viewing options (in person and online); separate registrations are required for each option. For more information and to register, see:
https://www.ifla.org/events/join-us-for-a-special-online-screening-of-the-film-the-librarians-%F0%9F%8D%BF%F0%9F%93%BD%EF%B8%8F/

12/16/2025

Happy Holidays from the Mortenson Center for International Library Programs! https://www.library.illinois.edu/mortenson/ May the work of your library bring Hope, Peace, and Joy to you and your communities in 2026!