Professional Skills Training
Our programs are carefully designed to strengthen skills, encourage innovation,
and provide librarians with the essential tools and resources needed to adapt, grow,
and thrive in today’s rapidly changing digital environment.
Library Management Skills for Academic Libraries — From Basic to Advanced
Phnom Penh, 11 November 2025 — The Cambodian Librarians Association (CLA), in collaboration with the Institute of Technology of Cambodia (ITC), successfully organized the full-day professional course “Library Management Skills for Academic Libraries: From Basic to Advanced.” The program brought together librarians from across Cambodia to strengthen both essential operational skills and forward-looking strategies for modern academic libraries.
The course received additional support from CamEd Business School and the International Development Association (IDA / World Bank Group), reflecting a shared commitment to advancing professional development and library services in Cambodia.
Morning Session: Building Strong Foundations
Led by Mr. Sim Chanbuntith, Librarian
The morning focused on the essential skills needed to run an academic library efficiently. Participants explored library organization and classification systems, gaining hands-on insights into collection arrangement and authority control. Circulation management, stocktaking, and shelf-reading were highlighted as critical daily practices, with demonstrations showing how Integrated Library Systems (ILS) like Koha enhance workflow and accuracy.
The session also emphasized the importance of customer service and user engagement, guiding librarians on effective communication, empathy, and professionalism when assisting library users. Digital resources, e-libraries, and social media strategies were introduced as modern tools to connect with students and faculty, making libraries vibrant, accessible, and user-focused spaces.
Afternoon Session: Leading with Strategy and Innovation
Led by Ms. Huy Roseka, Library Manager
The afternoon shifted to advanced management skills, strategic planning, and technological innovation. Participants learned how to leverage data and analytics to make evidence-based decisions, monitor library performance, and justify resources. Leadership and policy development were discussed, emphasizing vision-setting, team empowerment, and change management to drive library success.
The session also highlighted the role of libraries in research support and academic integrity, from information literacy programs to AI ethics awareness. Emerging technologies and innovation were explored, including automation in cataloguing, predictive systems, institutional repositories, and immersive tools like AR and VR, preparing participants to lead libraries into the future.
A Step Toward Future-Ready Libraries
The workshop concluded with reflections, knowledge sharing, and practical takeaways. Participants praised the program for blending foundational skills with advanced strategies, leaving them equipped and inspired to improve library services in their institutions.
Through the leadership of CLA, the support of ITC, and collaboration with CamEd Business School and IDA, this initiative reinforced a shared vision: Cambodian libraries are embracing both traditional practices and innovative technologies to remain relevant, efficient, and engaging for generations to come.
Workshop on: From Books to Bytes: Essential Cataloguing Techniques and AI Tools for Modern Libraries
CLA’s Digital Cataloguing and OPAC Management Workshop has attracted 52 participants, equipping Cambodian librarians with skills from MARC 21 to AI tools for modern libraries.
2024 Emerging Library Leaders’ Summer School for Asia-Pacific (ELLSSA)
Two of the CamEd librarians were selected to participate in the program, which aimed to equip them with knowledge and insights to embrace digital transformation in libraries. The program provided opportunities to learn from distinguished experts and engage in meaningful discussions on the future of library leadership.
AI in Reference Services
This event united librarians, research staff, and AI enthusiasts to explore AI's transformative role in modern reference services. Organized by the Cambodian Librarians Association and CamEd Business Library, it was supported by CDRI, American University of Phnom Penh, the Library of Royal University of Law and Economics, and the Library of ITC.
Library Visit Program
The librarians and IT staff from CamEd Business Library participated in a library visit program in Thailand. During the visit, they engaged in discussions on various topics including new technology and IT systems for library administration, infrastructure, procurement processes, RFID inventory counts, resource management, future collaboration, ISO & risk management, and strategic plans for continuous improvement.
Open Access Resources for Academic Research
On May 31, 2023, the Cambodian Librarians Association, in collaboration with the American University of Phnom Penh Library and the CamEd Business Library, hosted a sharing session on “Open Access Resources for Academic Research.” Led by Wyn Thomas, Librarian at AUPP, the session highlighted how open access provides free, reusable digital research materials and equipped participants with practical skills to discover and use these resources effectively.
Library Management System and Digital Library
On March 29, 2023, the Cambodian Library Association, together with the Royal University of Law and Economics Library and the CamEd Business Library, hosted a workshop on “Library Management System and Digital Library” at the Institute of Technology of Cambodia. With 30 participants from universities and government libraries, the event highlighted the KOHA system, digital library practices, and the role of AI in library services, while fostering collaboration and professional growth for Cambodian librarians.
Sharing Best Practice of Academic Libraries in Cambodia: Integrating Technology and Demographic in Internationalization of Modern Trend in Higher Education and Business
On January 27, 2023, the Cambodian Library Association (CLA) and CamEd Business School co-hosted a webinar on “Sharing Best Practices of Academic Libraries in Cambodia,” featuring insights on information literacy, smart technologies, and continuous improvement, with contributions from leading librarians across the country.
The 18th Congress of Southeast Asian Librarians (CONSAL XVIII)
On November 29–30, 2022, the 18th CONSAL Congress was hosted online by the National Library of Cambodia and the Cambodian Librarians Association, bringing together 700 delegates from 23 countries. Keynote speakers emphasized the crucial role of libraries in sustainable development and the need for solidarity and cooperation among ASEAN libraries in the post–COVID-19 era.