Liberia: Librarian Satta Cathlyn Sonie Celebrates 41 Years of Service at Daily Observer

Satta C. Sonie

 

Monrovia, Liberia - Satta Cathlyn Sonie, the librarian of the Daily Observer, celebrated 41 years of service to the media company on February 16, 2023. Sonie is the longest-serving employee at the Daily Observer, and she has played a vital role in preserving the company's history and ensuring that its journalists have access to the information they need to do their jobs.

Sonie began her career at the Daily Observer in 1982 as a part-time librarian. She was working full-time at the National Bank of Liberia at the time, but she was passionate about librarianship and wanted to work for a media company. Sonie’s mentor, Williette B. Porte, recommended her to the Best family, the owners of the Daily Observer.

Sonie was hired by the Daily Observer in 1982, and she has been with the company ever since. She has served as the librarian, the assistant director of library services, and the head of the research department. She has also played a key role in developing the Daily Observer's library, which is one of the most comprehensive in Liberia.

Sonie is a dedicated and passionate librarian. She is always willing to help her colleagues, and she is always looking for new ways to improve the library. She is also a valuable asset to the Daily Observer, and she has played a major role in the company's success.

In addition to her work at the Daily Observer, Sonie is also a member of the Liberia Library Association and the American Library Association. She is a certified librarian, and she has a master's degree in library science from the University of Liberia.

Sonie is a role model for young librarians in Liberia. She is a dedicated professional who is passionate about her work. She is also a valuable asset to the Daily Observer and the Liberian library community.

The Challenges of Librarianship in Liberia

Librarianship in Liberia is a challenging profession. The country has a limited number of libraries, and the libraries that do exist are often underfunded and understaffed. Sonie has faced many challenges in her career as a librarian, but she has persevered and she has made a significant contribution to the Liberian library community.

One of the biggest challenges facing librarians in Liberia is the lack of funding. Libraries are often seen as a luxury, and they are not always a priority for the government. This lack of funding makes it difficult for libraries to acquire new books and materials, and it also makes it difficult to pay librarians a living wage.

Another challenge facing librarians in Liberia is the lack of qualified librarians. There are few library schools in Liberia, and the ones that do exist are often underfunded and understaffed. This lack of qualified librarians makes it difficult to staff libraries, and it also makes it difficult to provide quality library services.

Despite the challenges, Sonie is optimistic about the future of librarianship in Liberia. She believes that the country is slowly beginning to recognize the importance of libraries, and she is hopeful that the government will begin to invest in libraries in the future. She is also hopeful that more young people will be interested in pursuing a career in librarianship.

Sonie is a dedicated and passionate librarian who is committed to improving the Liberian library community. She is a role model for young librarians, and she is an inspiration to all who know her.