MSSRF to implement International Network of Emerging Library Innovators (INELI) in India
Chennai, February 12, 2016: A select group of 26 public librarians from across India gathered in Chennai as part of the first ever convening of public librarians in the country, for the International Network of Emerging Library Innovators (INELI) initiative. The programme being implemented by the M S Swaminathan Research Foundation through the Global Libraries programme of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation is an effort to build leadership skills of Public Library professionals.
The programme aims to build capacity of public library professionals for changes in the public library landscape in India, with the rationale that access to information facilitates opportunities for people who lack easy access and/or skills to use relevant information to improve their lives. It aims to build leadership skills and strengthen the network of library professionals in the country. The first batch of 26 professionals from 16 states and 2 Union Territories in India had its first convening from 9 – 12 February in Chennai.
Speaking about the INELI-India launch, Prof M S Swaminathan, Founder MSSRF said “The vision of knowledge leading to transformation in society is one very close to the philosophy of MSSRF. It is an honour and privilege that we have been chosen as the only institution in India to lead this initiative. I hope every librarian who is part of each cohort plays an active role to transform communities in their district and region and thereby across the country.”
The INELI programme covers over 13,000 libraries in 20 countries globally. It is being replicated at the regional level in India, Africa, South East Asia, the Balkans, Latin America, Oceania, and the Middle-East.
MSSRF is a recipient of a grant from the Gates Foundation for a 3-year project period in India during which over 40 public library professionals, selected through a systematic process, will be trained in 2 batches. A mix of online and three face-to-face sessions, including one in a neighbouring country are planned. The online program with seven modules will be facilitated by learning coordinators and a group of mentors while an online platform will facilitate the course.
The second cohort is expected to begin 6 months from now and MSSRF will select another batch of mid-career public library professionals from across the country for this purpose.
