Woman speaking and holding children's book

The message below accompanies the May 2024 edition of the IFLA Newsletter.

IFLA Newsletter, Vol. 4, No. 5

Welcome to the May 2024 IFLA Newsletter! With International Workers’ Day (Labour Day) falling on the first of the month, we’re focused on the library workforce in this edition.

It is almost a cliché to say that the defining element of a library is the librarian.

There are books and other resources in other places, but only in a library are there dedicated people, ready to develop collections, design services and build communities among users.

Our workforce is the foundation of our unique contribution to the achievement of so many development goals, from accelerating innovation to maximising inclusion, from safeguarding democracy to enhancing decision-making at all levels.

IFLA has a key role to play in supporting this workforce, as a space for discussion, as a source of guidelines, standards and ideas, and as a voice on the global stage.

Crucially, we can help encourage reflection inside the sector – to ensure that we deliver on diversity, equity and inclusion, that we offer the best possible services to our communities, to prepare for the future. This edition includes examples of this work.

Alongside this, there is exciting new news about our Information Futures Summit, including on our expert speakers, how you can save through group rates, what you can see in and around Brisbane, and of course the upcoming deadline for early-bird registrations. So don’t hesitate!

You’ll also find wider updates about the work of our professional and regional units, as well as what we’re doing to advocate for libraries globally. This includes our 2024 Development and Access to Information Report, produced alongside the Technology and Social Change Group at the University of Washington, and with the support of a 2023 grant from Stichting IFLA Global Libraries (SIGL).

Finally, take a look at upcoming opportunities to engage, welcome our new members, and don’t forget to submit your views on our draft Strategy 2024-2029!

Happy reading!

Vicki McDonald
IFLA President 2023-2025

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