Ms Raseroka’s professional and academic journey spans over five decades of active participation in library and information services (LIS) across Africa and internationally. She has been integral in shaping the LIS profession across Africa and in influencing the global perception and understanding of Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) and their value in literacy and freedom of access to information.

Beginning her journey in 1969 as a Library Assistant she rose to the position of Director of Library and Information Services at the University of Botswana, a post she held from 1981 to 2010. In 1978 Ms Raseroka was awarded her Master of Arts from University College London and in 2010 received an honorary doctorate from the University of Alberta in Edmonton, Canada.

As a consultant and advocate, Ms Raseroka was involved in the founding of the Botswana Library Foundation in 1978 and the Standing Conference of African National and University Librarians for Eastern, Central and Southern Africa (SCANUL-ECS) from 1992-1996. From 1995-1997 she was a facilitator in the unification of South Africa’s racially segregated library associations into what we now know as the Library and Information Association of South Africa (LIASA).

Ms Raseroka was the first African elected to the position of IFLA President and served from 2003-2005, with her presidential theme being Libraries for Lifelong Literacies, reflective of her advocacy of the importance of IKS in information literacy. From 2010 through 2014 Ms Raseroka was involved with IFLA Building Strong Library Associations (BSLA) as a trainer and leadership coach. From 2014-2020 she served as the only African Council Member with the Research Data Alliance. Currently Ms Raseroka works with Mogolokwane and Abi Films as Chairperson, researcher, and advisor on cultural aspects in indigenous stories for local film making.

An exemplary mentor, advocate, and leader, Ms Raseroka’s influence is felt globally; her articles and papers have been published widely and she has presented at numerous international conferences and seminars. During this webinar, we can learn from Ms Raseroka directly as she shares her leadership journey and insights.