Acceso usuarios
Ellen Ndeshi Namhila
This paper illustrates the experiences of the University of Namibia (UNAM) Library in demonstrating that librarians in its employment are, indeed, academic staff by research and publications and by performing academic support functions for researchers, students, faculties and centres. This was tested through the UNAM Library capacity building project initiative in partnership with the Helsinki University (HU) Library and Tampere University (UTA) Library, in Finland. The learning objectives of this collaborative project were to improve competencies of UNAM Library staff so that they are able to function expertly and competently in an academic environment and to evidently assert their position as academic staff. The approach applied in this collaborative capacity building project included staff exchanges to share best practices; joint seminars, meetings and mentorship programs with research as a cross cutting issue in all the areas. Staff members were encouraged to think critically about what they have learned, how it contributes to their work at UNAM and to develop their research skills. One of the highlights of this collaborative project is a book with the title Empowering People � Collaboration between Finnish and Namibian University Libraries. The book provides evidence to the librarians themselves as well to the university community that research and scholarly communication is equally a part and parcel of the librarians� work.
