Nigel Browne, a passionate librarian who started working at the Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS) in August 2000, looks back on his twenty-four years of employment. On 22 November 2024, his formal journey with IHS came to an end with his retirement. As an Information Manager and Head of the Library, he has been deeply involved in the institute’s journey, playing a significant role in its growth and evolution over the years.
A passion for digital transformation
When asked about the highlights of his career, Nigel felt a great sense of accomplishment in the transition to digital resources.
“I have loved working on our website over the past few years, especially developing pages such as the SDG11 Knowlege Hub and the COVID-19 Resource Hub”, he explained. These initiatives have made vital information accessible to IHS staff and participants, especially during the pandemic.
Another noteworthy project was creating a guide for accessing digital information in the Global South. “With the rise of e-books, it has been rewarding to organise content in a way that is accessible, not only for staff but also for participants studying at IHS.”
“Libraries are not just about books anymore. While books remain crucial, digital content opens new doors."
Nigel Browne
Memorable moments
Reflecting on his time at IHS, Nigel highlighted key moments that stood out.
“I had the privilege of organising a satellite meeting for the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) about libraries and urban development,” he shared. While the process came with its challenges, such as technical hiccups during online meetings, it was ultimately a success. One participant rated the event an 11 out of 10!
Another cherished memory is from the World Urban Forum (WUF) in Kuala Lumpur back in 2018. “It was wonderful to meet students at WUF and see how excited they were to connect with us. It reminded me how impactful our work at IHS can be.”
IHS then and now
Over the years, the institute has been through significant change. Nigel highlighted a time when IHS felt like a close-knit community, with former staff members going the extra mile to make international students feel at home in the Netherlands. Marijk Huijsman, who sadly passed away in 2019, used to invite participants to her house for dinner, creating a sense of belonging for students far away from home. Marc Jansen, also a former IHS colleague, was equally dedicated, meeting Indonesian students at the airport and helping them settle in.
Looking ahead
When thinking about the future of IHS, Nigel is optimistic but also reflective. He hopes that the institute remains a strong and impactful organisation, maintaining connections with alumni and partners and continuing to have a positive influence in the urban development field.
‘’Our students and staff are our greatest resources. We need to recognise the wealth of knowledge our alumni hold and explore ways to connect with them. Many of our graduates hold influential positions worldwide, and building long-term relationships with them and their organisations could be a great asset for IHS.”
