While digital technologies offer huge possibilities to support sustainable development, realising this potential requires action at all levels, from government to the grassroots. Libraries have a key role to play in this digital governance framework, as was underlined at the ICEGOV 2023 conference in Belo Horizonte, Brazil. Read More
With five reports from national implementations of UNESCO's Internet Universality Indicators now published, it's a good time to see what library roles in supporting internet inclusion are recognised. This article explores these, and calls for closer engagement in libraries in future implementation efforts. Read More
In the latest of our series of looks ahead on different policy areas, we turn to the internet and wider digital world. Given both our own reliance on technology, as well as its impact on the achievement of wider library goals, evolutions in this space are particularly relevant for our own field to consider. Read More
This report has been prepared within the framework of the Internet Governance Forum (IGF) Dynamic Coalition on Public Access in Libraries (DC-PAL). It follows DC-PAL network consultations held in April 2021, which identified evaluation of public access to computers and internet in libraries among priorities for the DC-PAL working agenda… Read More
Building on responses from the library field around the world, we have prepared a draft response to the consultation launched by the United Nations on the Global Digital Compact. We welcome your comments and suggestions on the draft by 29 September. Read More
February is an important month for online safety education around the world, marking the annual Safer Internet Day (SID). As part of this, many educational institutions, including libraries, promote safe use of the internet and new technologies, as well as media literacy and overall online wellbeing in their communities. We interviewed New Professionals Special Interest Group Convenor Magdalena Gomułka to find out about how libraries in Poland are engaging. Read More
As part of the February edition of IFLA’s newsletter, an interview with a founding member of the Dynamic Coalition on Children’s Rights in the Digital Environment outlines what the recent developments in online safety policy and practice can mean for libraries." Read More
You are invited to join an open learning and exchange meeting exploring the experiences of Polish and global library field members with supporting digital inclusion! Read More
Relating to Sustainable Development Goal 16 – peace, justice and strong institutions – IFLA’s new Statement on Libraries and Open and Good Governance provides recommendations for government and others on how to make the most of library and information services to improve policy-making and implementation. The statement… Read More
E-government – the use of ICT to deliver public services and conduct government operations – aims not only to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the public sector, but also to promote the values of openness, transparency, accountability and public access to information. These principles are of course relevant to the work and values of the library field; and libraries can offer support to digital government initiatives and strategies. The 2020 UN E-Government Survey Report offers some insights on the way libraries can help build inclusive and effective e-governments. Read More