Gregory K. Tharp's Testimonial

The International Librarians Networking Program (IRRT) provided an opportunity to develop

strong intercultural skills as participants came from diverse backgrounds which allowed every

discussion and group project to be a multifaceted learning opportunity. Also the uniquely rich

environment offered by virtual participation allowed participants flexibility in participating in the

IRRT.

Gregory K. Tharp, MLS, Adv. Cert., MCAC, CCEP, CGSP, CPhT

United States

Roxanne Clare's Testimonial

I am extremely grateful and fortunate to have participated in the 2026 International Librarians Networking Program.

Participating in the ILNP has fostered a lasting connection, as well as deepening my understanding and respect for libraries and librarianship on an international scale. I was matched with Sonja from Bosnia and Herzegovina and Stacy from New York City. Our interactions involved a blend of email correspondence and Microsoft Teams meetings, and I feel incredibly fortunate that despite our time differences, we managed to make face-to-face interactions work.

Although we work at three quite different libraries, we were amazed by the similarities that occurred in our conversations. This led to discussions and a deeper understanding of topics including library advocacy, Library Associations, library programs, mentorship and leadership, artificial intelligence uses and how our cultural contexts influence our work. We are excited about continuing our connections beyond the program.

This experience is invaluable for building lasting international professional relationships. I highly recommend it to fellow librarians looking to expand their international connections and be part of a global community passionate about information and libraries.



Roxanne Clare
Librarian - Le Fevre High School

Adelaide, South Australia

Anonymous Testimonials

My experience with ILNP was incredibly positive! I was hopeful that it would connect me to the wider Library and Information Services professionals' community and it did just that. The professionals I connected with were not from my school library background but we had similarities in our roles, which always makes me feel validated - we're never alone in our work! We said we would try to stay connected as colleagues, and I am hopeful that we will. Our liaison, Erica, was also approachable and I am so grateful she volunteered to work through this programme with us. I would love if someone were able to map out where all of our cohort was based, just so we could have the opportunity to visualise how many librarians are out there doing the good work

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Being part of the ILNP this year has been an absolute joy! Even though my schedule turned out to be incredibly hectic and time wasn't always on my side, I genuinely loved every single moment of participation.

This program is so much more than just professional networking; it’s a wonderful space for connecting from the heart. It was incredibly inspiring to share ideas, look at beautiful project photos from colleagues, and realize that no matter where we are in the world, we speak the same 'library language.' I wanted to be involved as much as possible because the energy here is truly contagious.

Thank you, ILNP team, for creating such a supportive and warm international family. I’m leaving this program with fresh ideas, great memories, and a renewed passion for what I do!

Li-Ting Liao's Testimonial

Joining the International Librarians Networking Program (ILNP) was an amazing

experience for me. I was paired with Emma, a high school librarian from Scotland.

We both noticed that teenagers often find it hard to understand and express their

feelings. So, we decided to make our libraries a "safe place" for students and created

a cross-border, anonymous postcard exchange activity.

We made a great team because we shared different strengths. Emma led her

students to create art and design their own unique postcards. On my side, I

organized reading activities, like listening to audiobooks and making a sticky-note

message board, to help my students understand their emotions before they started

writing.

This project successfully turned abstract ideas of Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) into

real, creative artworks by our students. ILNP did not just open my eyes; it showed

me how working with an international partner can truly bring more excitement to

our local students.

In the end, this experience proved that school librarians are not alone. We are part

of a big global family, using knowledge and care to support our school communities

together.

Li-Ting Liao
School Librarian, Catholic Sheng Kung Girls' High School

Taiwan

Raphael Gerard C. Dela Cruz's Testimonial

Joining the American Library Association’s International Librarians Networking Program has been a truly transformative journey. It completely dissolved geographical boundaries, opening doors to deep professional connections and lasting global partnerships. I had the wonderful privilege of collaborating with two incredible colleagues: Ms. Trang Nguyen from Vietnam and Ms. Simone Paiva Okuzono from Brazil.
Our vibrant conversations about current trends and local challenges quickly highlighted how connected our worlds really are. I was fascinated to learn from Ms. Okuzono that Brazil offers dedicated PhD opportunities in Library and Information Science. Meanwhile, Ms. Nguyen and I bonded over how both the Philippines and Vietnam uphold the profession by requiring librarians to be official license holders.

Despite the distance and cultural differences, we discovered profound common ground. Libraries in all three of our nations are aggressively upgrading their technology to better serve their communities. As we watched Artificial Intelligence begin to dramatically revolutionize library services worldwide, the three of us found ourselves completely aligned on a core philosophy: AI holds immense promise, but it must be championed with responsibility and deep ethical care in librarianship.

This experience reminded me that while our local policies and languages may differ, our heart for service, innovation, and community is entirely universal. I return to my work inspired, globally connected, and deeply proud to be part of this shifting international landscape.

Raphael Gerard C. Dela Cruz, RL, MLIS

College Librarian

Filipiniana and Special Collection Librarian
Philippines

Antora Anwar's Testimonial

Participating in the International Librarians Networking Program (ILNP) has been an incredibly rewarding professional experience. Alongside my partners,  Natalie Buda Smith and Marija Rakić-Saranac, I had the opportunity to engage in meaningful discussions despite our diverse cultural backgrounds, different time zones, and varied library settings. Since our first meeting on 23 March 2026, we built a supportive environment for learning, reflection, and professional growth.

Throughout the program, we explored topics ranging from career thoughts, leadership, and goal setting to the rapidly evolving role of libraries. These conversations allowed us to compare practices across different library sectors, exchange perspectives on common challenges, and learn from one another’s experiences. The program reinforced the importance of international collaboration and demonstrated how much librarians can learn from colleagues working in different contexts. My partners generously shared their insights, resources, and experiences, helping me reflect on my own professional strengths and identify areas for future growth.

I am grateful to the American Library Association for creating this platform for global networking and professional exchange. ILNP has expanded my professional network, broadened my perspective, and inspired me to continue learning, collaborating, and contributing to the library profession on an international level.

Antora Anwar, Junior Assistant Librarian, Independent University

Bangladesh

Nissrine Al Masri Al Chaarani's Testimonial

Participation in the International Librarian Networking Program (ILNP) has been a significant

professional milestone. Focusing on the theme of “Libraries as agent of change, inclusion and

community building” with peers from around the globe has provided invaluable perspectives on our collective role as educators.

The ILNP facilitated meaningful connection with my peer Jovana from Bosnia and Herzegovina. We bonded over a shared challenge: Making school libraries truly accessible to students of all abilities. This partnership allowed me to build upon my 2025 experience as an International Visitor Leadership Program participant, where I explored inclusive models like the Melrose Center in Orlando and the Cleveland Library for the Blind.

Inspired by the quote "The only thing worse than being blind is having sight but no vision," I defined my library’s mission in Lebanon with the motto “Here all belong”. Together Jovana and I translated these global insights into our project “Together in Every Chapter”. By modifying classic literature to suit diverse needs utilizing AI for image generation and text simplification, and collaborating closely with special educators we are working to make our collection more inclusive.

This exchange underscored that the most impactful progress stems from sharing experiences across cultures. I am grateful for the ILNP fostering this collaborative environment which has deeply enriched my practice and strengthened my commitment to creating an equitable space for all students.

Nissrine Al Masri Al Chaarani

School Librarian

Lebanon