Jan Richards Consulting

23/10/2025

How exciting

Coming full circle at 🟢

A century after 15 library associations first came together in Edinburgh to establish , we will return to the UK to celebrate 100 years of global work.

Read the full statement https://tr.ee/ePvIBm

12/09/2025

Wonderful to have the Minister of Education for Tasmania, Jo Palmer MLC join the Tasmanian Library Advisory Board yesterday when we were meeting in Devon port. An opportunity for us to share our successes and vision for the future.

Our Libraries are such special places filled with special people.

Wonderful to spend time with the Tasmanian Library Advisory Board sharing our passion for all our Libraries bring to our communities.

23/08/2025

Yesterday I started my term on the IFLA Governing Board working with colleagues from Canada, New Zealand, Ireland, Swenden, Slovakia, Poland, Türkiye and USA and the IFLA HQ team based in The Hague, to continue to great work of the previous Governing Board. I am particularly taken with the theme chosen by IFLA President, Leslie Weir ‘Be Bold’!’.

Look out world!

22/08/2025

I was honoured to receive the IFLA - International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions Scroll of Appreciation at the closing ceremony of the IFLA World Library and Information Congress in Astana yesterday. This award would not have been possible without the support and encouragement of so many people, many of whom will be reading this. Thank you. I was delighted that my friend and colleague Jayshree Mamtora was similarly recognised. Official photos to come. Wearing my new hat!

01/08/2025

Here’s the thing. At the IFLA - International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions Congress in Astana (Kazakhstan) later this month, there will be the now traditional reading flash mob where colleagues from around the world simultaneously read aloud from a book from their home country (usually a picture book). The book is then donated to a library in the host city. So far, so good.

For Astana we have been asked to bring a book about a hero in your life ( we can also bring an action figure or dress up like them - the second option is not likely!). Come on children’s librarians and mums out there, give me some ideas please. I am counting on you.

Photo below is from the reading flash mob in Brisbane last year where I am with friends from Libraries Tasmania, Kathleen and Sonya Moon. This year it will be at the beautifully named Mega Silk Way Mall, Astana.

01/08/2025

Such a great survey , well done NZ

31/07/2025

Sold out in 45 SECONDS! That must be a record. Its a pleasure to be working with you Shellharbour City Libraries. Disappointed I won't be there when Bluey visits!

‼️ Our Book Week Celebration is now SOLD OUT!

This was a high interest event and the ticket sales reflected this! 🎟️

For those who nabbed tickets, further information regarding the event will be sent out shortly 🥳

30/07/2025

Thank you to all the partners who have ben involved in creating this statement. Let's maintain the momentum.

A powerful alliance of Australian libraries and their partners have released a Statement of Commitment to children. To coincide with the Australian Library and Information Association’s Library and Information Week (28 July — 3 August) the statement asserts that every child has the right to thrive.

This commitment follows a national forum hosted by State Library in May. It promises the sharing of knowledge and resources to benefit the lives of 6 million children across the nation. It acknowledges not all children have equitable access to the resources, relationships, and environments they need to thrive. As trusted community hubs, libraries and their partners are uniquely placed to deliver positive, place-based prevention work with families every day.

Read the full statement here:https://content.plconnect.slq.qld.gov.au/sites/default/files/Statement%20of%20Commitment.pdf

28/07/2025

I’m currently working with the NSW Public Libraries Association on their Strategic Plan. Today the Executive Committee came together for a focus group - lots of engaging conversation plus a few laughs and excellent catering! ( a must at any meeting). Next steps online focus groups and a member survey. So much knowledge in NSWPLA!

25/07/2025

You’ve got to love a Library that celebrates with cake! Thanks Shellharbour.

22/07/2025

How fabulous. An accessible option for ANZ colleagues to participate in the IFLA experience.

The Hague, Netherlands – 22 July 2025 – The International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) has selected Busan, South Korea, to host the 2026 World Li...