Governing Board Elections
2005-2007
Statement of Candidacy
Bob McKee
(United Kingdom)
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CILIP, the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals
7 Ridgmount St,
London WC1E 7AE
United Kingdom
Tel. +(44)(20)72550500
Fax +(44)(20)72550501
bob.mckee@cilip.org.uk
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The information society challenges the library and information profession. Information access is shaped by the digital divide. Information policy is shaped by political, commercial and technological forces.
We know a good library is the heart of a good school, a sustainable community or an effective organisation. We know a good library is vital to teaching and learning in a college or university. We know the information provided by a good library can help the global fight against disease, poverty and ignorance.
But how many world leaders understand this? We need to speak with a stronger voice. Advocacy and leadership are central to IFLA's mission, just as intellectual freedom, intellectual property and lifelong literacy are central to society's global concerns.
Our profession is worldwide. Therefore our professional networks - the ways in which we share our knowledge and experience - should also be worldwide. That is why professional activity, and the opportunity to learn from each other, is also an important part of IFLA's purpose.
In order to be effective IFLA needs to be well managed with good governance, sound finances and strong organisation. Above all IFLA needs active members. That is why our membership forms the third of the "three pillars" of IFLA alongside our profession and our society.
I want to see IFLA as: a well managed and soundly based association with a strong and active membership; a global community in which we can all learn from each other and develop our professional practice; and a powerful voice of advocacy and leadership for our profession in the international arena - particularly in the context of the World Summit on the Information Society and other global policy initiatives.
If elected to the Governing Board I pledge my energy and ability to achieve these aims.
I ask for your support.
