In accordance with the MLA Constitution clause 12 (lhaviyani), we hereby release the nominations received for the upcoming election for MLA Council Posts.
| Council Posts | Applications Recieved by the end of the Second call for nominations |
| President | Fathimath Nashfa |
| Advisor | Ajra Rafeeq (Ex-Officio as President 2024). Not open for election. |
| Vice President | Fathmath Shahneez Mansoor Thuzuhath Ahmed |
| Treasurer | Aminath Riyaz Fathimath Anoosha |
| Secretary | Rishfa Ibrahim |
| Assistant Secretary | Aminath Shukuma Maajidha Ali Rishfa Ibrahim |
| Editor | Khaalidha Ali |
| Training Officer | Aminath Riyaz Fathimath Nashfa Maajidha Ali |
| Public Relations Officer | Aminath Shukuma Thuzuhath Ahmed |
| Additional Council Members x 2 Posts | Aminath Nasiha Dhooma Ahmed Fathimath Anoosha Fathmath Shahneez Mansoor Khaalidha Ali Shadiya Waheed |
Nominated names for Council Posts 2025/2026 and a brief overview of the nominees
Names are listed in alphabetical order of first name of the members. Within brackets are the nominee’s first preference and second preference if a second preference was identified.
Ajra Rafeeq. (ADVISOR, Automatic nomination as immediate past president).
Ajra worked as Assistant Librarian at Kalaafaanu School until August 2022 and in Billabong International High School until 2024. Prior to that, she worked at MNU Library. Ajra completed a Bachelor of Library & Information Management at MNU in 2024. Ajra served as the MLA President from 2023 to 2024.
Aminath Nasiha. (ADDITIONAL MEMBER)
I am a passionate librarian with a bachelor’s degree in the library field and a strong commitment to promoting literacy, information access, and community engagement. My experience in managing library services, coupled with innovative ideas to modernize and enhance resource accessibility, aligns with the Maldives Library Association’s mission. As an advocate for lifelong learning, I am dedicated to supporting the professional growth of librarians and fostering a culture of knowledge-sharing. My enthusiasm for collaboration and drive to improve library services make me a suitable candidate to contribute effectively as an additional member of the MLA Council. I have worked at Lhaviyani Atoll Education Centre Library for over 10 years now.
Aminath Riyaz. (TREASURER / TRAINING OFFICER)
I am currently serving as an Assistant Professor at MNU and the course coordinator for the library and information management courses. I have over 30 years of experience in this sector, firstly working in libraries, starting as a Librarian Trainee at Health Library in 1992 and served as the Chief Librarian of MNU before I moved on in 2012. Since then I have also worked in various positions at Curtin University Library (Australia), and Edith Cowan University Library (Australia). During the years 2014 to 2017, I worked as Records Officer, Training & Education Officer, and lastly as Business Information Analyst at the Department of Records & Information Management at Curtin University. I have served MLA Council in various posts, from 2004 to 2006, 2010 to 2014, and 2018 to 2024.
Fathimath Anoosha. (TREASURER / ADDITIONAL MEMBER)
I have a strong interest in finance-related work. One of key responsibilities in my current job is managing acquisitions work and assist to budget plan. I have also been responsible for maintaining the salaries of the part-time library staff. Moreover, I am currently overseeing the budget for social events for library staff, which includes collecting funds and upkeep of records. I’m confident that this opportunity will offer worthwhile educational opportunities to expand my understanding of this profession.
Aminath Shukuma. (PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER / ASSISTANT SECRETARY)
I am passionate about improving the library field and making a real difference. I understand the challenges libraries face and want to help find better solutions. I believe in supporting library workers, improving access for everyone, and bringing fresh ideas to keep libraries strong for the future. Serving on the MLA Council would allow me to work with others who care about libraries and create positive change together. I am ready to listen, learn, and take action to make libraries more inclusive and impactful for all communities. I have completed a Bachelor Degree in Library & Information Management.
Dhooma Ahmed. (ADDITIONAL MEMBER)
I am interested in joining the Maldives Library Association. I am passionate about libraries and would like to contribute to the growth and success of our library community. My aim is to support the association’s initiatives and work towards building a brighter future for libraries. I am eager to offer my skills, time, and dedication to help achieve the association’s goals. I am a final-year student of Bachelor of Library & Information Management course at MNU and serve as Assistant Librarian at CHSC.
Fathimath Nashfa. (PRESIDENT / TRAINING OFFICER)
I have been working in the library field since 2004. I began my career as a Librarian Trainee at the Maldives National University (MNU), then known as the Maldives College of Higher Education, and progressed to the position of Librarian in 2018 and worked in this post until October 2024. Throughout my library career, I have been actively involved in library automation and digitization initiatives. Notably, I successfully led the creation of Saruna, the first digital library for MNU. In addition, I am a member of the Advisory Board of the Maldives Archives and played a pivotal role as the coordinator and publisher of the Let’s Read Books Program within the Maldives team. I currently serve as the Editor of the MLA and held the same role during the 2012–2013 term. I have also contributed to MLA training programs as an Assistant Resource Person and Lead Resource Person for Greenstone Digital Library (GSDL) and Koha systems. Since 2014, I have been actively involved in teaching library science courses at MNU as a part-time lecturer. I am now working full-time as an Assistant Lecturer, continuing to share my expertise with the next generation of library professionals.
Fathimath Shahuneez Mansoor. (VICE PRESIDENT / ADDITIONAL MEMBER).
I am deeply passionate and motivated to promote development and growth of libraries. My short experience as librarian in-charge Institute of Library and Information Unit at NLM, from mid-2024, has provided an opportunity to build networks across different libraries in the country. I believe personal skills such as effective listening and coordination will help me fulfil the role effectively.
Khaalidhaa Ali. (EDITOR / ADDITIONAL MEMBER)
I have experience working in the field as Archives office professional and previously as an assistant librarian and have completed Bachelor Degree in Library and Information Management at MNU. This background has equipped me with strong organisational skills and a deep understanding of information management. I can analyse data effectively and present clear insights, making me a suitable candidate for the MLA council.
Majidha Ali (ASSISTANT SECRETARY / TRAINING OFFICER).
I am a Librarian who is interested in contributing in developing the library field. I have served as the Deputy Librarian at the National Library since 2018, and prior to this, served as Assistant Librarian for 13 years. I have completed a Bachelor Degree in Library & Information Management.
Rishfa Ibrahim. (SECRETARY / ASSISTANT SECRETARY)
I am passionate about literature and education, with experience in library field. I am dedicated to supporting the goals of the MLA, promoting inclusivity, and fostering collaboration among members. I believe my skills will help me contribute effectively to the MLA Council and its mission. I have completed Bachelor Degree of Library & Information Management at MNU.
Shadiya Waheed. (ADDITIONAL MEMBER)
As a Library and Information Management student with 8 years of prior experience in the library field, I am passionate about improving the Maldives library sector. My previous experience and current studies give me a solid understanding of the challenges and opportunities in this field. Joining the MLA Council would allow me to apply my knowledge and skills to support the library community. I am committed to contributing ideas that encourage collaboration, growth and the development of better library services in the Maldives.
Thuzuhath Ahmed (VICE PRESIDENT / PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER)
As a person who has work in this field for more than 15 years I do not see a very bright future to this field. Hence being a part of the MLA Council I would like to work on behalf of the librarian community to mark a place in this field and being recognised professionally.
