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Note from the Coordinator
The CILA team has been busy! In the fall, we reviewed 22(!) applications for the Global Library Investment Grant. The awardees and their projects are announced below. Over winter, the team has worked to update and expand the CILA LibGuide. Finally, we’ve conducted a survey and discussed the feasibility of assembling a task force to update the Librarian’s Manual (2007). Watch the ACL listserv for an invitation to get involved.
Also in this newsletter are brief accounts of three ACL members who have provided trainings internationally. As below, INTLIG is holding a special meeting on how to plan and provide these kinds of trainings. CILA has a deep history of both offering and supporting international library trainings. Determining how best to continue to do so is high on CILA’s ever-growing agenda.
David Stevick
CILA Coordinator
Announcing the 2025 Global Library Investment Grant Winners
We are pleased to announce the recipients of the 2025 Global Library Investment Grants. These awards reflect CILA’s ongoing commitment to strengthening libraries through strategic investment in training, collections, and technology support.
Jeffrey Sootheran, Grace International School, Thailand has been awarded $2,000 in the In-person Training and Support category. This funding will support a hands-on workshop designed to strengthen library services within his school community. We have also encouraged Jeffrey to explore a potential partnership with an ACL member in Canada or the United States who has experience in K-12 librarianship and may be willing to collaborate in planning and supporting this training opportunity.
Jean William Pierre, Emmaus University, Haiti has been awarded $6,000, distributed across two categories: $3,000 for Collection Development to support book acquisitions and $3,000 for Technology Support to fund laptops, printers, routers, and other essential hardware. This combined award will significantly strengthen both the print collection and the technological infrastructure of the university library, expanding access to resources for students and faculty.
We look forward to seeing how these investments strengthen library services and create lasting impact within their respective communities.
International Librarians Interest Group Update
The International Librarians Interest Group (INTLIG) continues to support international librarians and encourage library development around the world.
4 the World Resource Distributors
4 the World Resource Distributors (4WRD) is committed to strengthening evangelical educational outcomes and enhancing library effectiveness worldwide. Their work includes evaluating library processes, providing staff development, assessing student use, recommending and supplying resources, and fostering meaningful professional connections.
In addition to consulting and training, 4WRD donates both new and used books to international Christian libraries. They offer library training through on-site visits as well as long-distance support, helping institutions build sustainable and effective library services.
4WRD welcomes individuals and organizations who are interested in partnering through financial support, prayer, or participation in training visits. To learn more about their work and ways to get involved, please visit their website.
What is your name? Gary Flokstra
What is the name of your organization? Co-founder and co-director of 4 the World Resource Distributors
Where is your library located? Springfield Missouri, USA
What type of library do you work in? Non-profit ministry that enhances theological education by strengthening theological libraries
How long have you been a librarian? I served as a head librarian for 11 years
What is your primary library role? A resource for many theological libraries
What do you love most about your library role? Helping get resources to libraries in the majority world
What challenges do you face in doing your job as an international librarian? More need than funding
What resources and services have you provided when you’ve worked with international libraries? Visited, helped train, answered questions via email, shipped resources, etc.