The idea for the Association was born at a national conference held in Radovis in southeastern Macedonia in February 2013. The two-day conference was supported by EIFL’s Public Library Innovation Programme (EIFL-PLIP), and brought together national ministries, local authorities and libraries to discuss the ways in which public libraries can contribute to social and economic development.
Enthusiastic librarians suggested forming an Association, and took forward the idea. Innova Lib is now a registered association, with 15 signed-up members – all librarians who are committed to working tirelessly to promote innovation.
"This is a great moment for us," said Innova Lib’s first president, Ivanka Sokolova, a librarian at Public Library ‘Braka Miladinovci’, which co-hosted the conference with Radovis Municipality and the Macedonian Library Association.
"There are 32 public libraries in Macedonia. Many need new resources, encouragement and development, so we have a big task ahead of us," Sokolova added.
Innova Lib’s goals include supporting establishment of new public libraries and public library services; encouraging cooperation between libraries and giving input into laws governing public libraries. Future plans include creating a website and networking with public libraries offering innovative services in other countries in the region.
Innova Lib will develop a full programme of action at its first meeting in 2014.
‘We are new, but I know we will succeed," said Sokolova. read more...