Objectives and Activities to be performed by the Institution

Throughout 2024, IFLA will focus on meeting its object of supporting activities under its overall goal of furthering the interests of (associations of) libraries and information services, of librarians and the communities that they serve, around the world.

These activities, which contribute to the public benefit, will fall into one or more of the following areas: to promote high quality library and information services and professional development, the accessibility, protection and preservation of documentary cultural heritage, the development of professional standards, the dissemination of best practices, the development of scientific and professional knowledge, the advancement of the understanding of the value and interest of good library and information services, and the upholding of the interests of its members, library and information organisations and the communities that they serve.

Activities

In 2024, IFLA will undertake the following primary activities:

  1. Provide the structures and support necessary to mobilise IFLA’s professional community, and so through them accelerate sharing of innovations and insights, as well as the development of practical standards, guidelines and tools. Through this, we will work towards delivering on the goal of providing the best possible library and information services for all, helping communities everywhere to fulfil their rights and realise their potential. We will, in particular, work to activate our professional, regional and advisory committees, and explore new ways to bring libraries and librarians together effectively. IFLA spends about 45% of its resources on supporting its member and volunteer communities to maximise their impact.
  2. Build awareness of the needs of libraries, librarians and the communities that they serve, in order both to ensure that they are recognised and valued, among partners and other stakeholders. Through this work, we will look to strengthen support for well informed, skilled and enabled communities, the valuing and protection of our heritage, equitable and inclusive research and learning, and inclusion and the enjoyment of rights. In particular, we will pursue these goals across the UN family, and through supporting our members to maximise their own effectiveness. Our thinking here will be framed by the SDGs. We will also strengthen existing and explore new partnerships which can help unlock the potential of libraries to benefit their communities. IFLA spends about 22% of its resources on engaging with the SDGs and other global agendas in order to build support for libraries and their communities.
  3. Enhance the effectiveness of the work of libraries and library fields in pursuing the public benefit by supporting learning and capacity development across our membership and beyond. In particular, we will work to support emerging leaders to gain experience and profile, encourage the production of webinars and other activities and events that build skills, and develop publications that support innovative and relevant services to communities. IFLA spends about 27% of its resources on building capacity to deliver on public benefit activities around the world.

Across this work, we will pay close attention to ensuring optimal and efficient governance, taking full account of the importance of being able to provide public benefit activities and services into the future.   

Method of Acquiring Income

Beyond the fees paid by its members, IFLA will raise funds through donations and partnership agreements, as well as fees for the management of its annual conference.

Management and Expenditure of Institution’s Assets

IFLA’s reserves and cash funds are invested in standard no risk savings accounts with one or more of the major Dutch banks that are government guaranteed. Cash that is unlikely to be needed in the short term, may be moved to longer term savings accounts where minimum terms (e.g., three or six months) are required for a somewhat higher rate of interest.