Kiribati Library and Information Network (KLIN)

Caroline Podd (please remove '.nospam' from address)

Caroline Podd was an Australian volunteer librarian at Kiribati Teachers' College and KLIN Secretary from June 2001 to November 2002. Now back in Brisbane and working in the Queensland Treasury, Caroline writes about the newest Pacific library association.

In the centre of the Pacific Ocean, across the equator, lies the Republic of Kiribati (pronounced Kiri-bahs). With more ocean than land, the country consists of three chains of atoll islands : the Gilbert, Phoenix and Line group and one single island, Banaba. There are 33 islands in total, and the capital, Bairiki village, is located on Tarawa in the Gilbert group.

The population of Kiribati is approximately 90 000. Half of the population lives on Tarawa and the remainder is scattered across the remote outer islands. I-Kiribati (people of Kiribati) have a strong Micronesian culture, and dance and singing are very much part of life in Kiribati. In Kiribati, there are a variety of institutions that have libraries, including a number of education, church, government, and non-government organisations.

The Kiribati National Library and Archives is located in Bairiki and is the largest library in Kiribati. Very few I-Kiribati librarians have formal qualifications, although the University of the South Pacific Extension Centre in Tarawa does offer a Certificate and Diploma in Librarianship.

KLIN was formed in June 2001 by a small group interested in creating a network of librarians and information managers. Previously, some librarians had networked informally, but most were isolated and lacked any professional support.

The goals of the KLIN are:

To promote co-operation and collaboration among the existing libraries in Kiribati
To create a network of shared resources by creating a database of titles currently held within each library system
To offer professional support to current librarians through targeted workshops and open discussions
To provide support and resources to outer island schools in terms of library skills and literacy activities
To promote the value of libraries in the community and government

KLIN now has approximately 20 members and meets regularly once a month. Although KLIN is still very new, through the enthusiasm of its members, a great deal has been achieved in a short time. On 16 August 2002, KLIN promoted Kiribati libraries through variety of activities to celebrate 'Kiribati Library Day'. Several professional workshops have been held on topics such as: basic library organisation and management, identifying resources, information literacy and promotion of school libraries. Librarians with more experience and training acted as mentors to other KLIN members by leading the workshops.

Having gained Non Government Organisation (NGO) status, KLIN is registered with the Kiribati Association of Non Government Organisations. As an NGO, KLIN was able to partner with the United States Peace Corps in Kiribati to work on the Sabre Book Project, through which a donation of 10 000 new books was made to Kiribati schools. This also received local newspaper coverage and was personally supported by the president of Kiribati, His Excellency Teburoro Tito.

Through the encouragement of their peers, many librarians have now commenced the Certificate/Diploma in Librarianship at the University of the South Pacific Extension Centre in Tarawa. This will only serve to lift the profile of libraries and librarians in the country. KLIN is now in the early stages of its development as a professional organisation and is looking outward to build relationships with other library associations in the region. KLIN members are eager to participate in activities for professional development and to further their education. It is hoped that some members will be able to participate in conferences hosted overseas by organisations such as ALIA and PIALA.

As they forge ahead, the KLIN takes with them Te Keraoi (good luck) and the sacred words of Kiribati, Te mauri, Te raoi ao Te tabomoa (love, peace and prosperity).

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