LATINA/lab is an R&D laboratory at the Learning Center of Oslo University College. During an initial meeting in conjunction with the IFLA conference in Gothenburg, Sweden in August 2010 we were invited to conduct the LATINA Africa Summer School at Makerere University in Kampala the following summer. Since last fall we have been eagerly preparing for this event.

But we have come to realize that important prerequisites are not sufficiently secured at this time of writing. For this reason we have decided on a new roadmap for upcoming LATINA courses and training programs during the 2011-2012 period.

We are very happy, though, to report to all our partners and interested parties that we are firmly committed to implement the LATINA Summer Course in Kampala and look forward to do so in 2012.

This must, of course, be based on renewed invitations and agreements by the partners.

Together with our LATINA/lab partners at Hainan Normal University in China we have furthermore decided to conduct at LATINA Winter School at this university in December 2011. In order to strengthen preparations and long term competence building we invite several participants from Uganda to take part in this event.

We look very much forward to see old as well as new friends and colleagues in Kampala in 2012 and also in Haikou in December!

In the summer of 2011 the LATINA Summer School will relocate from the Oslo campus to Makerere University Library. Makerere University Library has partnered with Oslo University College and University of Bergen to arrange a three-week LATINA course in Kampala, Uganda.

Social events and excursions will be arranged during weekends and some afternoons as part of the programme.

Please note: It is recommended to apply by March 15^th, 2011 for nationals of countries that require a visa to visit Uganda.

You need to complete our application form Application form PDF or Word

After you have completed the form, please send the form with supporting documents by e-mail to universitylibrarian@mulib.mak.ac.ug or by mail to:

Makerere University Library

P.O.Box 7062,

Kampala-Uganda

Please note that the application should be sent well ahead of the application deadline if you are using regular mail, as we have experienced some delays.

Take note of the following in regards to course registration:

When you enroll by e-mail or mail, confirmation of your registration will arrive by e-mail to you within a few days. Your application will be handled as soon as possible, and no later than 3 weeks.

List of documents:

• transcripts from your previous University education in English (stamped and signed)
• statement of motivation in English (300 words)
• copy of your valid passport page (showing your personal information)

SELECTION CRITERIA FOR LATINA 2011: MINIMUM QUALIFICATION

1. Must be a resident of the East-African Community (Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda)
2. Must be employed for at least 3 years by a University or tertiary institution in the East African Community, and will return to the institution after training and apply the knowledge and skills gained.
3. Bachelor of Library and Information Science (BLIS), Masters in LIS added advantage.
4. Proficiency in English
5. Computer literate
6. Will be recommended by the Library Director who will insure that the LATINA graduate requires support to apply knowledge and skills gained.
7. Age bracket: young to middle level librarians/Information professionals aged 25-45 years.

At the beginning of each academic year, the University library conducts a user education session per programme of study aimed at ensuring all new students are given a clear and helpful introduction to the Library services appropriate to their needs. All first year students are expected to register with the Library at the end of the training session so as to access library facilities and services. The programme is designed to ensure that all members of the University community are offered effective support and guidance in identifying and using appropriate information resources in support of research, teaching and study.

The Library subscribes to online databases which include electronic journals and e-books. Training of Library Users is undertaken to enable Users access these resources. The Library in partnership with the School of Graduate studies conducts training for Graduate students and researchers at Makerere University. During such trainings participants are introduced to Library services. Last year the component of Google docs. Was introduced in the Library training programme. Participants find Google docs. very useful because most of them are involved in collaborative research.

LATINA class of 2010@ Oslo University College

Oslo University College has over the last three years provided training opportunities to people who could afford to travel to Norway. Four Staff members of Makerere University Library attended LATINA in 2009 and 2010. This caused a drastic change in the way these members performed their duties. The collaborating institutions; University of Bergen, Oslo University College and Makerere University Library decided to bring LATINA to Africa in order to bridge the skills gap among Librarians. LATINA will be conducted right here at Makerere University Library. This is a great opportunity which librarians and teachers in Africa particularly in Uganda must not miss.

EXPECTATIONS

At the end of the course participants are expected to:

• Have attained skills in digital technologies.
• Contribute new ideas to their institutions.
• Design and implement projects

By Uganda Production Team;

Agnes, Fred, Irene, Monica & Philliam.

What is blog?

A blog is a type of website or part of a website. A typical blog combines text, images, and links to other blogs, Web pages, and other media related to its topic.

Blogs are usually maintained by an individual with regular entries of commentary, descriptions of events, or other material such as graphics or video.

Makerere University Library Staff have a blog maintained by Irene and Agnes. The only challenge is that staff rarely visit the blog and this demoralises the few who post on the blog. Agnes attended LATINA in 2009 and gained many skills thanks to sponsorship from University of Bergen and Oslo University College. When Agnes returned, she conducted a training of trainers (T.O.T) who in turn trained all the professional Library staff in new technologies including blogging.

The training was timely because it is the same year that Makerere University designed and implemented institutional blogs. During the training Irene introduced staff to blogging and all members of staff created personal blogs. They were encouraged to keep blogging but few if any actually blog. Surprisingly, these staff members visit and update their Face Book pages daily. So one wonders why is it easy for members of staff to visit Face Book than the Library blog?

Judging from the comments/feedback from visitors to our Library blog, they find it a useful tool for finding information in regard to our services. The Library blog speaks volumes of information about our services.  There are advantages associated with corporate blogs:

• A blog is the best low-cost, interactive online marketing tool that you both own and control.
• Blogs are interactive, allowing visitors to leave comments and even message each other via widgets on the blogs and it is this interactivity that distinguishes them from other static websites. A post once a week engages your customers and thus become successful in selling more products.
• Content can be categorized at your blog, but not on a Face Book Page. This provides people with another easy option to find the information they are looking for.
• Blog Posts Are More Easily Shared Than Face Book Updates.

If given two options; blogging and face booking, what is your preference and why?

by

Agnes, Fred, Irene and Monica