Guidelines on IFLA Branding

IFLA (The International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions) is the leading international body representing the interests of library and information services and their users. It is the global voice of the library and information profession.

IFLA's primary objective for allowing its name to be used or entering into relationships with other organizations and business enterprises should be:

  1. To help IFLA achieve its mission to be the global voice of the library and information profession, or to assist libraries in achieving their mission.
  2. To fulfill a specific need related to current IFLA goals and objectives or to contribute in a significant way to the cooperating organization while using IFLA's name and its resources effectively.
  3. To benefit as much as possible from a reciprocal relationship in the form of finances, expertise, experience, public relations, or other advantages.

The following are the exclusive property of IFLA:

  • The IFLA logo
  • The full name of IFLA
  • The acronym IFLA, when used in the context of, or relating to, librarianship and information work or products and services for librarianship and information work.
    [The acronym IFLA by itself is not unique to IFLA, but is used by a number of other organisations around the world, e.g. the International Federation of Landscape Architects].

Formal relationships should be entered into with other organizations and business enterprises whose strength and reputation have been evaluated.

Relationships should be based on the following criteria:

  1. The relationship is reciprocal in that there are mutual needs and a sharing of purposes.
  2. The structure and level of the relationship represents the best method of accomplishing the purpose or meeting the need.
  3. The appropriate personnel are available and the time and talent are being or will be used effectively.
  4. Costs in time and money are justified by the results.
  5. The need for the relationship is evaluated periodically.

Formal relationships which permit the other organization to use the name of IFLA must be based on a written agreement pursuant to which IFLA retains control of the use of its name.

Formal relationships with other organizations or business enterprises do not necessarily imply IFLA endorsement of their policies, products, or services. None of IFLA's published reports, findings, etc. shall be circulated by the cooperating agency without the permission of IFLA.

There are three levels of use of the IFLA logo, name and acronym.

  1. The name, acronym and logo of IFLA may be used by IFLA professional units. The governance structures of professional units (e.g. Standing Committees of sections), directors of core activities and regional office managers shall decide on this. In cases of doubt, they will refer the matter to the Coordinator of Professional Activities or the Secretary General. IFLA units may use the IFLA name without charge.
  2. The name and acronym of IFLA may be used freely by anyone who wants to refer to IFLA, except when the statement or text implies an endorsement by IFLA of any events, products or services. For such statements the prior permission of the Secretary General is required. The logo of IFLA may not be used by other parties without the permission of the Secretary General. There may be fees for the use of the IFLA name and/or logo.
  3. The Secretary General's permission is required for the use of IFLA's logo, acronym and name in the promotion, branding or endorsement of events, products, services, academic and training programs in the case of:
    • Events co-hosted, co-organised, sponsored or supported by IFLA or one of its constituent parts, provided the nature, purpose and program outline are acceptable in terms of IFLA's mission and core values.
      [Examples: regional or specialised seminars and conferences.]
    • Products sold or distributed on behalf of IFLA to raise funds for or awareness of IFLA, provided the nature and design of these products are acceptable to IFLA in terms of IFLA's mission and core values.
      [Examples: T-shirts and memorabilia, books]
    • Services offered with the endorsement of IFLA, provided these are acceptable to IFLA in terms of IFLA's mission and core values.
      [Examples: library tours, IFLA interlending vouchers]. IFLA will only endorse services if it has the capacity to evaluate them.
    • Academic and training programmes not initiated or sponsored by IFLA will not be endorsed by IFLA.

Inadmissible usage

The name, acronym and logo of IFLA shall not be used by unrelated organizations or for unrelated issues or when approval has been denied.

Adaptation of the IFLA logo

Adaptations of the IFLA logo may be made and used for specific purposes, such as the identification and marketing of the annual congress, only with the explicit permission of the Governing Board.

Decision-making responsibility

When needed the Secretary General may forward issues to the Governing Board. The ultimate responsibility for the use of the name, acronym and logo of the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions rests with the IFLA Governing Board.

If you have any further queries please contact: ifla@ifla.org

Approved by the Governing Board of IFLA, December 2006

Directrices, Logo, IFLA, Identity, Branding

Última actualización: 15 Noviembre 2012