With a strong basis in the work of the cities libraries and librarians, the recently published programme for Strasbourg as World Book Capital City from 23 April 2023 is an exciting one, offering much not just to the city’s residents, but also to others interested in promoting books and reading locally.
In September, the UN announced 12 High-Impact Initiatives as a package intended to accelerate progress on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These offer a variety of opportunities to highlight the work of libraries, and seek recognition and support, at national and global levels.
IFLA has submitted its response to a consultation run by the United Nations in the context of the preparation of its Code of Conduct on Information Integrity. In this, we underline the role of libraries in supporting the information integrity agenda, as well as calling for a stronger positive agenda on promoting access to, and appreciation of quality information.
IFLA's latest briefing focuses on Digital Public Infrastructure, a concept which has become prominent in the last year, under the leadership of India as G20 President and the UN Development Programme. It sets out key parts of a definition, provides an update on current priorities for work in this area, and suggests how libraries can engage.
On November 23-24 2023 at the Europe Regional Division Committee's meeting in Brussels, the members drew up an action plan for the coming two years. The Action Plan consists of four key tasks: Demonstrating the impact of library advocacy initiatives, Cooperation with European library partners, Evaluating the professional development needs of libraries and Democracy and European libraries.
The final version of UNESCO’s guidelines on how digital platforms – and in particular social media – should work offers helpful affirmation of the importance of access to information, skills, and libraries. It also provides a framework for us to engage in wider debates about information regulation.
A new edition of UNIMARC Guidelines for Archival Materials is published.
IFLA is proud to announce the publication of Bridging Research and Library Practice – Global Perspectives on Education and Training, edited by Krystyna K. Matusiak, Kawanna M. Bright and Debbie Schachter.
Libraries and their staff increasingly find themselves navigating challenges related to intellectual freedom, censorship, and intolerance towards diverse perspectives, especially evident in instances of LGBTQ+ book bans and restrictions on library programs. The IFLA Code of Ethics for Librarians and other Information Professionals underscores the librarian's duty to provide unrestricted access to information, promote inclusivity, and eliminate discrimination, emphasizing equal rights for all, irrespective of various characteristics.
Welcome to the December 2023 edition of the IFLA Newsletter, this month focused on the topic of values, ethics and rights.
Law libraries are tasked with ensuring that people around the world can exercise their right to information and more particularly in the work of ensuring access to justice in an inclusive manner. These values guide the work of the IFLA Law Libraries Section.
There are three crucial elements for effective knowledge management within an organization: People, Process, and Technology. When examining the composition of staff in many enterprises, it is often observed to be homogenous. This is not uncommon, as we tend to gravitate toward individuals similar to ourselves, relying on familiarity and trust in what we already know. However, to extend our reach to the market, clients and desired results, we must consider diversity and equal rights.
According to the IFLA Code of Ethics for librarians and other information professionals, librarianship is value rich, underlying all the activities that are included in that work, across different library types and parts of the world, supported by different shaped communities and varying professional approaches.
The latest edition of IFLA Journal features six original research articles on topics such as eBook use in Vietnam, health literacy in Bangladesh, the role of academic libraries in facilitating friendships among students, and the role of public libraries in national language assimilation policies. Also featured is an essay on global artificial intelligence policies and their implications for libraries.
Preparations for the United Nations' Summit of the Future are now well underway, with the possibilities to secure helpful decisions and references for libraries growing clearer. Find out more in our new brief, and get involved in shaping the key output document - the Pact for the Future!
IFLA was honoured to take to the stage at the Partner2Connect Annual Meeting 2023, and present two pledges connected to the initiative's overall goal to bring meaningful internet connectivity within reach of everyone.