Fatima Darries: award-winning South African OA Librarian

Fatima Darries, South African OA Librarian activist and co-E-LIS Editor, South Africa, has been formally recognized as a role model to the rest of the Library and Information Community. Congratulations, Fatima!

Here is the text of the announcement:

On behalf of the National Executive of LIASA and Sabinet Online, we are very pleased and proud to announce that the LIASA/Sabinet Librarian of the Year for 2006 is Fatima Darries.

Fatima was nominated by the Western Cape Branch. She receives an award of R25 000 to be used for any educational purpose (further studies, visits to relevant institutions locally or internationally, attending relevant conferences). The Librarian of the Year is seen to be a role model to the rest of the Library and Information community and a person whose contributions make a lasting impact on the sector.

The motivation from the Western Cape branch reads (in part): "In addition to fulfilling all the criteria for this prestigious award, Ms Darries has been very actively involved in LIASA ... She demonstrates excellence in promoting library and
information services and the Association through her work at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology and LIASA activities. Her leadership is demonstrated by the various initiatives such as the establishment of the WCHELIG (Western Cape
Higher Education Libraries Interest Group) and the successful Colloquiums hosted by this interest group. An exceptional achievement was her selection to attend the HERS-SA Academy as one of four Cape Technikon women. In 2005, Fatima was one of
six South African women to attend the Bryn Mawr Summer Institute and also presented a paper there, promoting librarians and making valuable contacts. She is also an
accredited EDT practitioner and her involvement with training is evidence of her commitment to the development of LIS professionals."

Thanks to Jennifer A. De Beer, co-Editor, E-LIS South Africa