Interview: Dunstanette Orehdola Bodkin

Deputy Chief Librarian, Sierra Leone Library Board

“Your community and environment can be transformed by what you do passionately”.

For Dunstanette, what began with a small collection of storybooks she cherished as a child has grown into a lifelong journey of promoting literacy in Sierra Leone. In an Interview with Library Aid Africa, she shares her journey into librarianship and her vision as the newly appointed Deputy Chief Librarian of the Sierra Leone Library Board.

1. Tell us about your journey in the library and information field. How it all started and what motivated you to take up this career?

I had always owned a small collection of storybooks and I treasured those books all throughout my childhood. I never for once knew I will one day be a custodian of a much larger collection. After taking my London GCE O’ levels exams I was looking for a program that would prepare me for a BA Degree, which was how I discovered a Diploma course in Library Archive and Information Studies. The very first year into the program I knew there was no going back. Despite discouragements from people who thought that a program on librarianship has no value in today’s information society, I forged on. During the course I discovered a lot of innate abilities and gifts that are in line with librarianship and that helped me soared through the course. After completing as the best student with the highest grade point I went on with the BA in Library Archive and Information Studies. I also graduated as the best student with the highest grade point and was also the President of our Departmental Association. To date I now hold an Mphil in the same. All throughout I developed a passion for all things Library especially teaching children how to read, providing support to school libraries, planning and implementing innovative programs and activities.

2. Becoming the Deputy Chief Librarian at the Sierra Leone Library Board is such a great achievement. What does your new role as Deputy Chief Librarian mean to you personally and professionally

This role is a tribute to my lifelong love for learning and promoting literacy. It shows that truly your community and environment can be greatly impacted by what you do passionately. Professionally this is an opportunity for a renewed commitment to my work. I look forward to creating more impact within my Institution and nation as a whole

3. Thinking about your time with YALLF, what experiences or lessons from the YALLF program have influenced your growth as a librarian.

I saw many aspects of myself in Damilare, Melba and Paul and I tell myself if they can get things done so will I. It was thrilling to see a community of likeminded and ambitious library professionals. It built my confidence in what I do and also gave me the opportunity to see myself as a contemporary Librarian.

4. What goals are you excited to pursue in this new position

My Goals include;

• Expanding community literacy programs
• Partner with other institutions including the Private Sector for better programming and activities
• Strengthening staff Capacity and leadership through trainings
• Advocate for policy and Governance reforms
• Incorporate new technologies into our services and activities
• In a nutshell, I want a National library that is recognized as a centre for knowledge sharing and management with a strong relationship with local communities while using recent technologies to meet the needs of our patrons.

5. What advice would you give to young library professionals and students, especially those who are interested in library leadership roles in the future?

I’ll advise young professionals and students to be proud of themselves and what they find doing. Nobody can make you feel small without your consent. In life the effort you give will definitely yield its fruit. If you are interested in library leadership roles be sure to pursue courses that align, master it and apply the skills gained.