The session will feature speakers who will demonstrate the involvement of libraries in promoting information integrity and literacy and discuss the unique challenges of information integrity and illustrate the implementation of these measures in their respective countries.
The July 2024 IFLA Asia and Oceania Regional Division Newsletter includes editorials from the Chair of the Asia-Oceania Regional Division Committee, the Manager of the Regional Office for Asia and Oceania, and news from IFLA, the region and beyond. This covers work in Australia, China, Malaysia, Philippines, Republic of Korea, Singapore and Sri Lanka.
China has placed great importance on the digitisation of ancient books and is using advanced technology to accelerate the construction of a smart library system. This has become an important part of the national "14th Five Year Plan", with increased funding from both central and local governments to support it. In April 2022, China issued the "Opinions on Promoting the Work of Ancient Books in the New Era", which called for advancing the digitisation of ancient books.
The Seoul Library initiated the 'SOL' project, a 'Building-less Library' that extends the concept of library spaces beyond traditional buildings to the outside. The SOL is a project aimed at expanding the three core elements of a library — 'books', 'buildings', and 'librarians' — to 'contents', 'space', and 'staff’; leveraging the advantages of outdoor spaces to provide various services that allow users to enjoy a variety of library content. It has evolved from a space focused on reading and discussion to one centered on interaction and experience.
The year 2023 was considered a milestone for Philippine Public Libraries as The Philippines Government, through the initiatives of the Office of Senator Juan Edgardo "Sonny" Manalang Angara, granted additional funding to augment the current budget of the NLP for its Public Library Development and Support Program (Library Extension Program). From a 3-year average budget of Php8,970,000.00 (~USD154,000.00) in CY2020 - 2022, it was increased to Php25,976,000.00 (~USD444,692), a considerable 289.59% leap from the last three years.
Student success is one of the most critical drivers of the value of academic libraries, no matter the discipline or specialisation. With an ever-changing technological and pedagogical landscape, librarians are constantly challenged to innovate and redefine their roles. In this post, academic librarians from the National University of Singapore Libraries unlock major insights into strategies that promote student success, and the importance of co-creation and interdisciplinarity needed to thrive and transform in this evolving library landscape.
University libraries in Sri Lanka have adopted simple yet cost-effective tools to organise and index their resources, thereby improving user access and understanding.
Singapore’s Punggol Regional Library welcomed His Excellency Dennis Francis, President of the 78th Session of the United Nations General Assembly. His visit focused on initiatives and efforts to promote digital inclusion.
Malaysia has been given the opportunity to host the 19th Congress of Southeast Asian Librarians General Conference and Meeting (CONSAL XIX) in 2025. In preparation for CONSAL XIX, the Executive Board of CONSAL had their second meeting, held in a hybrid mode, on 15 July 2024. Most members from Malaysia were present physically at the National Library of Malaysia and regional participants attended virtually.