Dear colleagues and friends,
On behalf of the Continuing Professional Development & Workplace Learning (CPDWL) Section of IFLA, it is my great pleasure to welcome our newly elected Standing Committee members for the 2025-2029 term. The CPDWL community is enriched by the diversity, expertise, and commitment of its members, and I am delighted to introduce four outstanding professionals who join us from around the globe.
Meet Our New Members
Luisa Marquardt (Italy) 
A renowned scholar and advocate for libraries, Luisa Marquardtbrings decades of experience in librarian education, research, and leadership. With a distinguished career teaching Library and Information Science at Roma Tre University, Luisa has served IFLA in various capacities, including the School Libraries Section and Division E. She has also chaired the National Commission on School Libraries of the Italian Library Association and is a Lifetime Member of the International Association of School Librarianship. Luisa’s research focuses on the educational role of librarians and the impact of libraries on cognitive, metacognitive, and interpersonal development. Her passion and dedication make her
a valuable addition to CPDWL.
Tetiana Hranchak (Ukraine) 
A dedicated scholar and educator, Tetiana Hranchak is a Visiting Research Scholar at the Moynihan Institute of Global Affairs, Syracuse University. She holds a PhD in History and is a Doctor of Sciences in Social Communications. Tetiana has extensive teaching and research experience, notably at the Vernadsky National Library of Ukraine and Kyiv National University of Culture and Arts. Her expertise includes library participation in national memory politics, and she has contributed significantly to methodological developments in this field. Tetiana’s international academic experience and innovative approach will greatly benefit our community.
Beghum Ulfhat Shehnaaz binti Amir Razli (Malaysia)
Beghum Ulfhat Shehnaaz is a Senior Librarian at the National Library of Malaysia, with over 20 years of experience in librarianship and digital transformation. She holds a Master’s in Information Management and is pursuing a PhD focused on leadership and professional development. Shehnaaz is a leader in media and information literacy, reading promotion, library strategic planning, and the integration of AI in libraries. She has held key national and international roles, including serving as Main Secretariat for IFLA WLIC 2018 and as Chair of the Continuous Professional Development Committee of the Librarians Association of Malaysia. Her leadership and innovative vision are invaluable to CPDWL.
Philomena Kagwiria Mwirigi (Kenya)Â
Philomena Mwirigi is an accomplished library and information management specialist with over 20 years of experience in academic, public, and national libraries. She holds a Master’s degree from Loughborough University, UK, and is currently pursuing a D.Phil. at Moi University, Kenya. Philomena has played significant roles in policy development, library consultancy, and management within the Kenya National Library Service. Her current research interests include information access for the elderly in Nairobi’s informal settlements, library material security, and family literacy. Her commitment to preservation, conservation, and digital library promotion brings a vital perspective to our section.
Looking Ahead
As we welcome Luisa, Philomena, Tetiana, and Shehnaaz to the CPDWL Standing Committee, we are excited to collaborate on new ideas, projects, and initiatives that support the continuous professional development of library and information professionals worldwide. Their diverse backgrounds and expertise will undoubtedly strengthen our section and inspire our community.
Please join me in congratulating and welcoming our new members!
With warm regards,
Helen Chan
Chair, IFLA CPDWL Section