"Open access: an imperative for growth and development" Ellen Tise is currently the Senior Director, Library and Information Services at the University of Stellenbosch, South Africa. She previously held the position of University Librarian at the University of the Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa, from March 2001 – December 2005. Prior to this, she was Deputy University Librarian (Client Services) at the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg. She also previously held the position of Systems Librarian and other positions at the University of the Western Cape, Brakpan City Library and the University of the Free State. She has served on the Governing Board and Executive Committee of IFLA between 2001 and 2005, and between 2007-2009; the IFLA Free Access to Information and Freedom of Expression (FAIFE) Advisory Board 2003 – 2005; the IFLA Africa Section Standing Committee (2001 -2007) and was chairperson of the National Committee for the IFLA 73rd World Library and Information Congress, held in Durban South Africa August 19-23, 2007. Ms Tise’s experience at senior management levels in the profession includes being the first President of the Library and Information Association of South Africa from 1998 – 2002; Director of Sabinet Board from 2003–; OCLC Members Council Delegate from October 2005 - May 2008, and member of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Access to Learning Award Advisory Committee 2007. She is an Honorary Member of the Golden Key International Honour Society, as well as of the Library and Information Association of South Africa.She has published various articles in professional journals and is a regular speaker at national and international conferences, seminars, symposia, etc.
