Library World Tour-Mario Coffa interviewed David Koech from Kabarak University, Kenya: Open Access, Digital Storytelling, and Technology between Communities and Sustainable Development Goals for Libraries.

David Koech, a librarian at Kabarak University in Kenya

In today’s digital age, libraries play a crucial role in promoting sustainable development goals (SDGs) by embracing open access, digital storytelling, and technology. These initiatives empower communities, foster inclusivity, and contribute to the achievement of the United Nations’ SDGs. In this exclusive interview, Mario Coffa the man behind the Library World Tour [1] interviewed David Koech [2], a librarian from Kabarak University in Kenya. Koech is not only a dedicated librarian but also the founder of the Library Matters Initiative Africa-LMI-AFRICA blog. To gain insights into the intersection of open access, digital storytelling, technology, and their impact on communities and SDGs. In this blog post let’s delve into the conversation and discover how libraries can leverage these tools to drive positive change.

1. Background and Introduction to Library Matters Initiative Africa

• Mario Coffa begins the interview by asking David Koech about his background and the inspiration behind the Library Matters Initiative Africa-LMI-AFRICA blog [2].
• Koech shares his passion for libraries and his belief in the importance of information inclusivity and access as a human right.
• He discusses the goals of the Library Matters Initiative Africa, which aims to champion the adoption of open knowledge and improve libraries’ impact on society.

2. The Role of Libraries in Society

• Mario Coffa explores the role of libraries in society and how they contribute to the public good [3].
• Koech emphasizes that libraries have always been a source of open resources, providing information, learning, research, and leisure-reading opportunities to diverse user communities.
• He discusses the evolving concept of openness in knowledge creation, dissemination, and education, and how libraries can adapt to these changes.

3. Open Knowledge and Open Educational Resources [2]

• Coffa and Koech delve into the importance of open knowledge and open educational resources (OER) [3].
• Koech highlights the significance of open access and licensing in driving quality education and creativity, particularly in the African context.
• He shares his advocacy for sustainable development goals, health, security, peace, and education through the use of open knowledge and digital storytelling.

4. Challenges and Opportunities for African Librarians

• MarioCoffa asks Koech about the challenges and opportunities faced by African librarians in the 21st century [3].
• Koech discusses the widening scope of openness and the need for African librarians to embrace new definitions and integrate them into their processes, systems, and services.
• He emphasizes the importance of continuous professional development and the role of partnerships, such as the memorandum of understanding between AfLIA and OER Africa, in empowering African librarians as change agents and leaders.

5. Future Aspirations and Conclusion [2]

• Mario Coffa concludes the interview by asking Koech about his future aspirations and vision for the Library Matters Initiative Africa
• Koech shares his goals for promoting open knowledge, improving libraries, and making a positive impact on areas such as health, security, and education.
• He expresses his commitment to sharing information, championing open knowledge, and advocating for information inclusivity as a fundamental human right.

---

Conclusion:

Libraries have a unique opportunity to contribute to sustainable development goals by embracing open access, digital storytelling, and technology. Through collaboration, knowledge sharing, and capacity building, libraries can empower their communities, bridge the digital divide, and promote inclusive and sustainable development[5].

Sources to Read More:

1. Library World Tour- Official Website
2. Open Access, Digital storytelling and Technology between communities and sustainable development goals for libraries. Mario Coffa interviews David Koech
3. DAVID KOECH on LinkedIn: Library Matters Initiative Africa-LMI-AFRICA on Strikingly
4. Webinar: Openness, the public good and African librarians – African Library & Information Associations & Institutions
5. Driving Progress: Libraries and the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, Part Three.

Learn More AbouT Library World Tour:

1. Library World Tour – International Network of Librarians/ Information Professionals