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Note from the Coordinator
The CILA team members encouraged me as the new Coordinator to introduce myself. For my day job, I’m the director of the Houghton University Library in New York, a school with a long history of preparing students for international service. My most significant cross-cultural experience was gained in native North America; I had the privilege of serving for six years at Diné College on the Navajo Nation. As a bilagáana (“Anglo”), my days were blessed with cultural and linguistic learning opportunities. My most relevant international experience consists of having provided training and consulting services for a Christian university library in Haiti—again, a blessing to be part of their story.
My wife and I are rich with four children—two grown, one at university, and one still at home. My hobbies include languages, martial arts, making music, and mountain biking. And, yes, I enjoy reading widely.
I’m excited and energized by CILA’s mission of supporting international libraries at Christian institutions, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to be part of empowering their important work. Some hopes that I have for CILA in the coming year include convening a team to in some form update the English edition (2007) of the Librarian’s Manual, fundraising to expand the impact of the Global Library Investment Grant, and developing a contemporary model for the service and training trips that have been so important to CILA’s mission. I and the CILA team crave your prayers as we seek to steward the responsibilities that we’ve been given.
David Stevick
CILA Coordinator
2024 Global Library Investment Grant Winners – Where are they now?
Saint Andrew’s Theological Seminary – Charlotte S. Tad-awan, Quezon City, Philippines
Awarded a grant for technology support: upgrading their Library Management System to a cloud-based platform, Saint Andrew’s has made significant progress. With support from Onstrike Library Solutions, the library:
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Updated their management system to a web-based platform
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Purchased an additional e-book reader
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Provided four hours of staff training funded by the grant
As a result, library patrons now enjoy improved accessibility, able to search the catalog and manage their accounts from anywhere with internet access. Staff efficiency in technical services has also increased.
To sustain these gains, the library plans to prioritize regular system updates, ongoing staff training, and continuous monitoring of system performance. Using analytics and staff feedback, technical workflows will be optimized, and up-to-date documentation maintained to ensure long-term efficiency and readiness for future advancements.
Mortenson Center for International Library Programs (University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign)
Peggy Nzomo received a matching grant for an international librarian (Dr. Elizabeth Malabanan; University of Perpetual Help System, Languna, Phillipines) to attend a unique professional development opportunity through the Mortenson Center. The grant funded Dr. Malabanan’s participation in a one-month training associates program, where she:
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Received hands-on training and visited U.S. libraries
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Networked and formed collaborations with U.S. and international librarians
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Applied her learning in the Philippines and continued collaborations with U.S. colleagues
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Invited U.S. librarians to speak at the Philippine Librarians Association, Inc. (PLAI)
This grant has not only expanded her professional growth but has also strengthened international library collaborations and knowledge sharing.
New CILA Leadership Team Additions
CILA is pleased to welcome two new leadership team members!
Jenny Eason, Member Services Coordinator for the Northeast Florida Library Information Network, has joined as Grants Developer,
Justin Lilliard, Director of the E. Allen Gordon Library of the University of Arkansas Community College at Morrilton, has joined as a Resource Developer.
International Librarians Interest Group Update
Our International Librarians Interest Group (INTLIG) recently held a wonderful meeting where members shared prayer requests and offered support on various projects. It’s always inspiring to see how librarians around the world collaborate and encourage one another.
Our next meeting is planned for late January or early February. We invite you to look for full details as the date approaches in emails from the INTLIG. These gatherings are a great opportunity to learn what librarians are doing internationally while offering prayer, encouragement, and support.
Don’t miss out—come join us!
Mortenson Center for International Library Programs – University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
The Mortenson Center for International Library Programs works to strengthen international connections among libraries and librarians, promoting global education, understanding, and peace.
A key initiative of the Center is the Mortenson Associates Program, an annual one-month professional training program that invites librarians and information professionals from outside the United States to come to the U.S. During the program, participants explore critical issues and trends in the library field, engage with U.S. librarians implementing innovative programs and services, and build lasting professional connections across countries. This experience fosters international collaboration and knowledge sharing, equipping participants to bring new insights and practices back to their home institutions.
What is your name? Nomsa N. Mathabela
Where is your library located? Eswatini (Swaziland)
What type of library do you work in? Academic – Liberal Arts
How long have you been a librarian? 20 years
What is your primary library role? Reader’s Services Librarian
What do you love most about your library role? I love dealing with the whole clientele in different aspects.
What challenges do you face in doing your job as an international librarian? Providing resources to users
What are some low-budget or free resources you use in your library? free OPEN ACCESS Electronic resources
International Membership Scholarship
The International Member Scholarship was established by CILA so that membership dues would not be a hindrance to international librarians joining ACL. The scholarship covers membership dues for the enrolling membership year. Scholarships are awarded on a “first-come, first-served” basis, with up to 25 scholarships awarded per year.
Eligibility:
- The applicant must be a practicing librarian (full-time or part-time) in academia outside of the United States and Canada, making the equivalent of under $10,000 USD annually.
- The applicant agrees to support the Purpose of ACL and understands and upholds the identity of the Association as expressed in the Statement of Faith.
Scholarship Covers:
✔ Individual membership dues for the 2026 membership year.
To apply: Submit International Scholarship Membership Application