MEXINFO 2024: Mexican Information Global Forum

UNAM: National Autonomous University of Mexico, Mexico City

On August 6-7, 2024, the “Unshelving Voices” symposium at UNAM in Mexico City brought together a diverse group of presenters and participants from around the world to discuss and tackle the pressing issue of censorship in libraries. Hosted by the MEXINFO and UNAM organizers, this event was a resounding success, thanks to the insightful contributions and active engagement of all involved.

“Unshelving Voices” was a collaboration of the IFLA (International Federal of Library Associations) groups including the Advisory Committee on Freedom of Access to Information and Freedom of Information (FAIFE), the LGBTQ+ Special Interest Group, the School Libraries Section, and the Management of Library Associations Section (MLAS).

We were privileged to be part of MEXINFO at UNAM from August 6-8, 2024, where IFLA groups jointly held their programs, which also included a seminar on Latin America and the Caribbean Libraries, a symposium on Indigenous Issues in Libraries, and a symposium Artificial Intelligence in Libraries. Participants joined together for a welcoming event, and then throughout the event could attend any session of interest.

The symposium featured a series of thought-provoking presentations that highlighted various perspectives on censorship. From the challenges faced by libraries in different regions to innovative strategies for promoting intellectual freedom, the sessions provided a comprehensive overview of the current landscape and future directions.

Our keynote speaker was Kent Oliver from ALA’s Public Policy and Advocacy and Freedom to Read Foundation, a renowned expert in the field. His presentation offered valuable insights into the complexities of censorship and the role of libraries in safeguarding access to information, especially focusing on the situation in the United States, where there is a significant spike in organized efforts to ban books and even defund libraries.

Highlights of the symposium included two panel discussions, each moderated by Jonathan Hernández (UNAM), which explored issues ranging from freedom of expression, self-censorship by authors and publishers to the impact of digital media on information access and the new challenges it presents.

The first panel was titled: “A Trinity of Freedoms at Risk: Panel on the International Statement on the Freedom of Expression, and the Freedoms to Publish and Read” featured librarian Loida Garcia Febo (MLAS), author advocate Alicia Quiñones (PEN International), publisher Hugo Setzer Letsche (International Publishers Association).

The second panel was titled: “Freedom of Expression and Censorship from Different Views” featured library professor Estela Morales Campos (IIBI-UNAM), journalist Gabriela Selser (originally from Nicaragua), indigenous author Manuel Bolom Pale (Universidad Intercultural de Chiapas).

Panelists emphasized the importance of advocacy against censorship, digital literacy, and the need for libraries to adapt to the evolving information environment. Special thanks to Alicia Quiñones, Head of Americas, PEN International, for her participation and help in organizing the second panel presentation.

We were excited to hear diverse voices and presentations, both in person and from video recordings, about censorship and related issues from perspectives in Australia, Belarus, Brazil, Canada, Hungary, Korea, Mexico, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Peru, and the United States. These topics ranged from fanzines, school libraries, subject headings, social justice, historical themes, and public library issues to global perspectives. A link to the full program can be found here.

The video recordings included insights on censorship from members of Amnesty International Hungary, PEN International Belarus, ALIA (Australia Library and Information Association) and FEBAB (Brazilian Federation Library Association).

In addition to the presentations, video recordings and panels, the symposium also featured a workshop presented by Kent Oliver, our ALA keynote speaker, in collaboration with Marlies Zyp – van der Laan from the Auckland Council Library, New Zealand. This workshop allowed participants to focus on proactive planning and responses to the challenges raised by censorship. This advocacy workshop provided a platform for attendees to develop practical solutions to combat censorship in their own contexts.

The symposium hosted a celebration event at Somos Voces, a local LGBTQ+ bookstore in Mexico City, where there was a drag storytelling event, a spotlight on banned books in Mexico, food, drinks and conversation.

Thanks to all of the members of the IFLA units who helped plan this event over the previous months. Thanks to the generous support of sponsors and organizations, including Clarivate, De Gruyter, OCLC, UNAM and IFLA, for making this event possible.

We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to all the presenters and participants for their invaluable contributions to the “Unshelving Voices” symposium. Your dedication and passion for promoting intellectual freedom and combating censorship are truly inspiring.

Authors: Joseph Hafner, Chair IFLA Metadata Technical Standards (METATEC) Review Group and Jonathan Hernández, Chair, IFLA Advisory Committee on Freedom of Access to Information and Freedom of Expression (FAIFE), Co-Chairs, Unshelving Voices