About the Action for Development through Libraries Programme (ALP)
The Action for Development through Libraries (ALP) programme is based at IFLA Headquarters. ALP has an emphasis on training and collaboration with IFLA’s core activities, sections and regional/language offices.
The ALP Programme was launched in 1984 at the IFLA Conference in Nairobi, Kenya.
ALP Scope and Objectives
ALP is the primary vehicle for delivering training based on policy and guidelines developed by IFLA’s core activities or sections. The focus for ALP projects is professional priorities for the development of the library and information profession, that are linked to IFLA’s strategic priorities. There is a preference for projects based on IFLA’s training packages and that build sustainability and capability in local library communities in developing countries or emerging economies around the world. IFLA’s training packages are customisable, flexible in content and delivery, and adaptable to meet the needs of different projects, and countries.
ALP collaborates closely with IFLA’s other Core Activities, particularly FAIFE, CLM and PAC, the sections, and regional offices and language centres to utilise the expertise and resources held in these units. It also works with IFLA members, such as national associations, as partners.
ALP places an emphasis on evaluating and reporting on projects, and utilises an impact assessment framework and other approaches to evaluate the difference ALP funded projects make in library communities.
Building Strong Library Associations Programme
The centerpiece of ALP is the Building Strong Library Associations programme. This is a comprehensive programme offering a strategic and coordinated approach to capacity building and sustainability of library associations. The programme benefits associations, libraries, and their communities.
The Building Strong Library Associations programme consists of:
- A modular, customizable training package on library association development
- IFLA's policy-based learning materials (for example, those developed by FAIFE)
- Mentoring and advice on forming partnerships
- Cross-association activities, to bring participants together
- An online platform to provide remote access to materials
Training materials and activities can be customized to meet the needs of different associations, and different language, cultural, political, social and other conditions.
ALP Priorities
ALP’s focal areas are:
- Development and sustainability of library associations, particularly through the Building Strong Library Associations programme
- Libraries and literacy: libraries as promoters of information literacy and lifelong learning, and combating functional illiteracy
- Promoting libraries in society, including the role of libraries in reading through the IFLA /UNESCO Public Library Manifesto and the IFLA/UNESCO School Library Manifesto
- Access to information through ICT in libraries, and ICTD
- Access to information by marginalised and underserved groups: for example, immigrant communities, indigenous persons, especially through the IFLA Multicultural Manifesto; access to underserved groups and persons with print or other disabilities, in partnership with the relevant sections
- New and emerging professional practice priorities
- Promotion of continuing professional development
Projects have access to IFLA’s policy-based learning materials, and Building Strong Library Associations modules. Modules include:
- Access to information on HIV/AIDS through Libraries
- IFLA Internet Manifesto
- IFLA Manifesto on Transparency, Good Governance and Freedom from Corruption
- Access to public health information through libraries
- Building Strong Library Associations
ALP Approach
ALP and ALP projects will:
- Be delivered as customisable programmes allowing countries to choose activities and training that best meet their needs
- Be delivered as capacity building programmes that assist library communities within countries and regions. These approaches include: train the trainer and cascade training models, promoting good practice, development of success stories and models, repeatable programmes
- Develop achievable, practical goals for programmes that will have impact in communities where they are implemented
- Work strategically with other IFLA core activities, sections and regional offices and language centres to develop, deliver and evaluate programmes
- Encourage collaboration and networking within and across regions and the sector in library communities
- Collaborate effectively with strategic partners and funding bodies
- Raise the profile of ALP and its work within IFLA
ALP will demonstrate outcomes of its work by:
- Evaluating the impact of funded projects using an impact assessment framework and other evaluation methods
- Evaluating the impact of the overall ALP programme
- Communicating project outcomes to members, strategic partners and the library community through project reports, case studies, and success stories
Última actualización: 5 Octubre 2012