Åsa Lund Moberg

Åsa Lund Moberg together with Nils Hebo's sculpture. Photo: Katarina Hjortsäter

The Nordic Africa Institute Library was appointed Library of the Year 2006 in competition with Håbo Library and Malmö University Library and IT Service. Some questions were put to the library’s Chief Librarian, Еsa Lund Moberg.

How does it feel to have received the distinction of Library of the Year 2006?

- It feels unbelievably good! We’ve been celebrating for three days! We’re enormously proud of our library and this is a confirmation that we are moving in the right direction.

What does this distinction mean?

- It carries greater weight for us in our contact with other libraries. This is a small special library. Now we’ve become better known. This will form part of our marketing. But it is also something with which we will move forward. We are joining the list of libraries standing for quality and change.

Why do you believe the Nordic Africa Institute Library won?

- It was time for a special library. We have a unique Nordic mandate. All libraries are faced with challenges, but our Nordic mandate gives an added dimension.

What happens now?  How will you manage the distinction?

- Being Library of the Year will be brought to all national, Nordic and international networks and will form part of our marketing. Hopefully it will result in new users finding us. Being visible is important to us since we do not have any tuition of our own tied to the Institute. The library has a strong position in the organisation. It is not only the library that takes pleasure in the distinction of Library of the Year, but also the Institute as a whole, which delights in and has benefit from this.

Do you have any tips for other libraries wanting to become Library of the Year?

- DIK has its criteria. Consider what is unique about the activities and what one does well. All libraries have different conditions. The art is in doing the best with those conditions that distinguish a good library. This also concerns seeing the staff as one of the most important resources in the library.

A question out of curiosity: What do you do with the sculpture?

- The challenge trophy, ”Konstruerat huvud” already feels like part of the library. It will follow the library’s activities throughout the year. Take a peek at our website. We’re having fun in our library. We’ll offer unimagined delights through the sculpture…

By Katarina Hjortsäter, 06-09-29. Translated by Linda Linnarsson.