Message-ID: <Pine.SOL.3.95q.970828064412.25876A-100000@library.wustl.edu> Date: Thu, 28 Aug 1997 06:45:22 -0500 From: Jeff Huestis <mailto:Jeff-Huestis@library.wustl.edu> Subject: Zimbabwe International Book Fair (fwd) To: mailto:DEVEL-L@AMERICAN.EDU
---------- Forwarded message ---------- Date: Thu, 28 Aug 1997 04:50:11 GMT From: "Gerald R. Brown" <mailto:browner@cyberspc.mb.ca> Subject: [IASL-LINK]: Zimbabwe International Book FairFORWARDED: >Date: Wed, 27 Aug 1997 09:03:34 -0500
>From: "Barbara J. Ford" <mailto:bjford@vcu.edu>
>To: ALA Presidential Program Planning Committee <mailto:pres-adv@ala.org>
>Subject: Zimbabwe International Book Fair
>
> ZIMBABWE INTERNATIONAL BOOK FAIR
> Barbara J. Ford
> President, American Library Association
>
>
>"Libraries" was the theme for the 1997 Zimbabwe International Book Fair
>(ZIBF), which was held the first week in August in Harare, Zimbabwe.
>The result was a plethora of fascinating and varied events covering a
>broad spectrum of librarians' interests.
>
>More than 260 exhibitors and 200 trade and professional visitors from 42
>countries participated at ZIBF97. More than 450 publishers were
>represented. Some 25 African countries were represented by exhibitors,
>making it the largest single gathering of African publishers in the
>world. Each year, the Zimbabwe book fair is the largest single
>international gathering of African book and information professionals.
>The book fair is held around Harare's National Gallery Sculpture Garden,
>with its lush foliage and shady stands. Cultural activities, including
>dance, music, and theatre, are part of the fair. A number of events and
>seminars also are held, with the book fair providing an issue- and
>activity-filled week.
>
>For the first time this year, an official delegation from the American
>Library Association participated in the ZIBF. Thirteen librarians
>representing all types of libraries participated. Members of the ALA
>delegation purchased books for their libraries, told stories at the
>writers' workshop, presented papers at the Indaba and other seminars,
>staffed the ALA exhibit at the fair, enjoyed the cultural events,
>learned about publishing and libraries in Africa, met and talked with
>colleagues, appeared on local television and radio stations, were
>interviewed for local newspapers, visited libraries, and generally
>enjoyed learning from colleagues at the Zimbabwe book fair.
>
>Events during the ZIBF included the Indaba on "Access to Information,"
>which looked at the latest in information technology, the most basic
>provision of book boxes for rural communities, and everything in
>between. Special interest groups focused on national book policy,
>information technology and rights, scholarship and research, and
>community access to information. The Indaba ended with an evening of
>traditional dinner, dancing, and storytelling around the fire at the
>Harare Safari Lodge, Lake Chivero.
>
>The Southern African Research and Documentation Centre sponsored a
>seminar on "Sharing Information Resources Among Non-Governmental
>Organization (NGO) Libraries." The aim was to strengthen working
>relationship among libraries in NGOs and research institutions and
>foster mechanisms of information exchange and networking. The United
>Kingdom Library Association sponsored a workshop to enable participants
>to develop their national professional bodies for themselves and the
>local infrastructure. The theme of the workshop was "Building
>Professional Networks: The Role of Library Associations," and
>international experts participated. The workshop focused on finding
>practical solutions to common problems and replicating positive
>experiences. Topics included the role of publications, funding and
>financial activities, structures, and building grassroots commitments of
>library associations.
>
>The African Booksellers' Convention was the first time that booksellers
>from more than 16 countries in Africa met together to discussion their
>industry -- probably the first time that African book-selling has been
>the subject of a major international conference. A marketing skills
>workshop for African publishers was a practical and useful workshop.
>The five-day writers' workshop featured key writers and focused on
>transforming Africa through writing. "Books for Change" is a
>development publishing initiative with collaboration between the African
>publishing industry and the NGO sector (including African and overseas
>organizations that publish specialist materials) in producing and
>distributing publications that promote development, disseminate ideas,
>and support the NGO sector.
>
>The Zimbabwe International Book Fair has a well-deserved reputation for
>being on the cutting edge of developments in the African book industry
>and for being a catalyst for wide-ranging programs. The Fair is
>administered by an independent trust, comprising a broad cross-section
>of Zimbabwe's vibrant information industry. "Children" will be the theme
>for ZIBF98 to be held August 1-8, 1998.
>
>ZIBF97 was a wonderful experience for the ALA members who attended and
>had the unique opportunity to learn more about libraries, books, and
>publishing in southern Africa. ALA plans to organize delegations to
>other book fairs. In November, over one hundred ALA members will be
>traveling to the book fair in Guadalajara, Mexico. Watch ALA
>publications for next year's plans for book fairs.
>
>--
>Barbara J. Ford INTERNET: mailto:bjford@vcu.edu
>University Library Services VOICE: 804/828-1107
>Virginia Commonwealth University FAX: 804/828-0151
>
>
>
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++Gerald R. Brown, Consultant, Library & Information Services & Honorary Ambassador, International Association of School Librarianship c/o 3403 - 55 Nassau Street North Winnipeg, Manitoba R3L 2G8 Canada Phone & Fax: 204 - 284 - 5620 E mail: mailto:browner@cyberspc.mb.ca Web site for IASL: http://www.rhi.hi.is/~anne/iasl.html ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++