Three members of the Maldives National University Library Senior Management team will participate in a Professional Development Workshop on Library & Information Services in Perth, Australia from 9th – 19th September 2026. The programme will provide participants with opportunities to strengthen their professional knowledge, explore emerging developments in the library and information sector, and gain practical insights from a range of information service providers in Australia.

The workshop will feature interactive and hands-on sessions covering key areas of contemporary library and information services, including “Collaborating for Change: Strengthening Communities through Information Services,” “AI and the Future of Information Work: Skills, Ethics and Opportunities,” and “Ignite Your Professional Story: Reflection, Growth and Impact.”

In addition to the workshop sessions, the programme will include professional information-sharing activities and guided visits focusing on the services, operations and practices of different information institutions. Participants will have the opportunity to visit academic and public libraries, the State Library, archives, selected school libraries, museums and other places of educational and cultural interest in Perth.

Representing MNU Library are Ms. Rishfa Ibrahim, Ms. Ajra Rafeeq and Ms. Aminath Nasiha, who are participating in the programme on a self-sponsored basis. Their commitment to investing in their own professional development reflects a strong interest in broadening their knowledge and gaining international exposure to evolving practices within the library and information services sector.

The programme is expected to provide valuable opportunities for professional networking, exchange of ideas and observation of innovative approaches to library operations, community engagement, emerging technologies and information service delivery. It is hoped that the knowledge and experiences gained through this international professional development opportunity will generate new ideas and practices that can be adapted and implemented within The Maldives National University Libraries. The experience may also contribute more broadly to the continued development and advancement of library and information services in the Maldives.