After the open consultations and a review-approval process, our manifesto is finally here!

IFLA Internet Manifesto

This year marks a decade since IFLA’s last Internet Manifesto was launched, and of course the world is a very different place today, the way we access and exchange information keeps changing, however, connectivity remains the gateway through which we can turn that information into knowledge. With the world and our lives becoming increasingly digital, our commitment to global communities remains.

This document represents a unification of library voices in regard to the Internet, it provides our vision of the Internet we want, it sets out a compelling narrative about the place of libraries in the digital space and provides a series of recommendations for different actors. Of course, we also see the manifesto as an opportunity to ensure that the library voice remains relevant and strong in the international discussions that are shaping the way forward in Internet Governance processes.

Amid the existing digital gap, we think it is crucial to minimize the risk of leaving marginalized voices behind in international processes and the global library network represents an opportunity to connect not only with people in the library community, but also with the communities that they serve and that often use libraries as their only point of access to reliable information via the Internet.

Next steps

While the manifesto presents a set of principles and a broad vision to move forwards, we are aware that there are diverse themes to expand in within this area. For that reason we consider it important to explore further together. In the coming months, our ambition is to release a series of annexes for the manifesto that can serve as thematic and policy guidance for library and non-library stakeholders. Those annexes will also be the result of collaborative efforts within the global library community and external stakeholders who wish to provide their vision and collaborate in this process.

The annexes will be accompanied by a series of webinars as a way to support capacity in regard to different themes and ways of moving forward.

Suggested advocacy actions

  1. We invite you to share the manifesto with your network!, please feel free to download it from our repository and share it via your channels (website, social media, newsletters, etc.)
  2. Translate the manifesto toy our local language – We are currently exploring ways of translating the manifesto. If you wish to collaborate and/or offer your support for this, please feel free to reach out to us.
  3. Reach out to us of you would like to lead one of the annexes in your specific theme of expertise.
  4. Organize a webinar and/or manifesto presentation event (we’ll be happy to offer our support for that if needed).
  5. Reach out to national, local or regional stakeholders and decision-makers to present the benefits and vision of the manifesto.

IFLA Internet Manifesto (2024 Update)

Libraries believe in a people-centred Internet, as both a guarantee of rights and an enabler of development. Upholding the fundamental rights of access to information and knowledge is a starting point. To guarantee these rights and realise this vision of the Internet, we must get governance right. T...

Do you have other ideas, comments or suggestions?
We would like to hear from you! Click here to contact us.

Tags: News, Access to information, Access to information for development, Development and Access to Information, Digital access, Digital age, Digital divide, Digital freedom, Digital inclusion, Digital literacy, Digital resources, Digital rights, Digital skills, Freedom of access to information, Freedom of expression, Freedom of information, Human rights, ICT for development, Information literacy, Information society, Information technology, Internet access, Internet freedom, Internet governance, Internet inclusion, Internet policies, Internet safety, Knowledge society