Governing Board Elections
2005-2007
Statement of Candidacy
Barbara J. Ford
(United States)
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Mortenson Center for International Library Programs
142 Undergraduate Library MC-522
1402 W. Gregory Drive
URBANA, Ill 61801, United States
Tel. +(1)(217)2441898
Tel. +(1)(217)2441898
E-mail: bjford@uiuc.edu
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It is an exciting time for IFLA. There are several key issues to be kept in mind as we work to build on our successes. The topics below are some that I helped address as president of the American Library Association and in other organizations where I have held leadership roles.
CORE VALUES. Every association needs to be clear on its values and focus financial and human resources on addressing key values; for IFLA these values are outlined in the three pillars of society, profession, and members.
INCLUSIVENESS. IFLA must be inclusive and find ways to involve librarians who are unable to attend conferences and participate in activities and continue to expand mutual understanding between librarians from various parts of the world.
ADVOCACY and OUTREACH. Additional public awareness of all that IFLA and libraries and library associations accomplish to further human rights, the freedom of expression, and access to information is necessary.
NEW OPPORTUNITIES. New technologies are some of the tools that provide opportunities to reach out in new ways to members and other key stakeholders to enhance education and cooperation and to make library issues more visible.
Much has been achieved through the vision and work of IFLA members and staff. Through leadership in two IFLA sections and one discussion group and involvement in hosting two IFLA conferences, I have a broad view of the association developed over a number of years.
As I have interacted with colleagues around the world, I have been impressed with all we have accomplished as well as all there is yet to do. Working together through IFLA, we can do more to advance libraries and librarianship around the world.
