Fulbright Scholar Position for Literacy Programming and Children’s Librarianship Education in Zambia, in conjunction with the Lubuto Library Project
Need for Children’s Literature and Library Programming in Zambia
Zambia’s education experts have noted Lubuto’s sustainability might be threatened by
the fact that collections of excellent trade children’s books are virtually unknown in
Zambia, and that Zambian teachers do not read to their students. Also, Lubuto Libraries
target the most vulnerable children, many of whom do not attend school. While exposure to
high-quality children’s literature is essential for developing a) knowledge of a wide range
of words language structures; b) breadth and depth of knowledge/concepts through non-fiction
literature, and c) an appreciation of both universal and specific human themes, it is not an
effective way for most children to develop equally critical skills for learning to read (phonemic
awareness, print-sound code in English, word recognition). Lubuto Libraries concentrate on the
unique role they play that complements the formal educational system. While our primary focus
is making the most of existing Lubuto Library resources for developing the kinds of competencies
that require high quality interactions with children’s literature, Lubuto goes far beyond that
in meeting its professional responsibilities in Zambia.
In conjunction with Lubuto Library programs, and in light of the need for teacher training that extends beyond Lubuto Libraries, we approached the University of Zambia’s Department of Library Studies and proposed recruitment of a Fulbright Scholar to provide instruction in library services to children and adolescents to both education and library studies students in the University of Zambia’s School of Education. This approach is consistent with LLP’s obligations under a Memorandum of Understanding with the Ministry of Education, specifically to:
4.1 “… provide leadership in establishing standards of good library practice, in supplying excellent and well-balanced book collections, developing targeted services and programmes, and constructing appropriate library buildings that are environmentally suitable and connected to Zambian vernacular building patterns, to meet national needs as identified by the Government of Zambia or the hosting agencies.
4.2 The LLP will recognize and cooperate with, other key the Government of Zambia bodies including the University of Zambia, Copperbelt University, technical, educational and vocational colleges thereby enhancing the network of competent accredited educational support structures for orphans and vulnerable children.
4.3 The LLP will assist the Government of Zambia in attaining the objectives of the Millenium Development Goals. In particular, the LLP will –
- Work with the Government of Zambia to identify appropriate local host agencies in conjunction with its resource centres on the Zone, District or Provincial level;
- Build open-access libraries that actively target orphans and vulnerable children, particularly those who cannot attend school, providing effective literacy and broad educational programs;
- Collaborate with the Zambia Library Association in promoting the use of its libraries; and
- Collaborate with the Government of Zambia in matters pertaining to the promotion of literacy and other library services in Zambia.
Fulbright Grant to support a Children’s Librarianship/Literature Teaching Fellow
The Lubuto Project is encouraging qualified library professionals to apply for this Fulbright position to develop the literacy program and to teach children’s literature and library services to children at the University of Zambia, to both education and library studies students. While this position is with the University of Zambia, via the Fulbright Program, the candidate works cooperatively with and in support of the Lubuto Library Project.
The preferred candidate will have a Ph.D. in a library-related field and expertise in teaching library and information science. As Fulbright award #9109, the position will include a salary and living stipend for the candidate and his/her family for one year.
Qualified candidates interested in applying should take the following steps:
- Review eligibility requirements for the Fulbright Scholar program at: http://www.cies.org/us_scholars/us_awards/Eligibility.htm
- Discuss their application with Jane Meyers, president of the Lubuto Library Project. Please contact her via webmail@lubuto.org.
This position has been filled for the 2010-2011 Academic Year by Professor Mary Wagner from St. Catherine University’s Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) program. Applications are being accepted for subsequent academic years, in which the post will remain open.
