   
Section of National Libraries
Medium Term Programme 1998-2001
Scope statement
The National Libraries Section is concerned with the full range of functions within national libraries. The Section also works closely with the Conference of Directors of National Libraries (CDNL). National libraries have special responsibilities, often defined in law, within a nation's library and information system. These responsibilities vary from country to country but are likely to include: the collection via legal deposit of the national imprint (both print and electronic) and its cataloging and preservation; the provision of central services (e..g, reference, bibliography, preservation, lending) to users both directly and through other library and information centers; the preservation and promotion of the national cultural heritage; acquisition of at least a representative collection of foreign publications; the promotion of national cultural policy; and leadership in national literacy campaigns. National libraries often serve as a national forum for international programs and projects. They may have a close relationship with national governments, may be concerned with the development of national information policies, and may act as a conduit for the views of other sectors of the profession. Occasionally they also serve the information needs of the legislature directly.
Goals, 1998-2001 - Action Plans, 1998-1999
- Goal 1
To identify the range and nature of tasks of a national library allowing for differing historical, political, economic, cultural and other circumstances.
- Actions:
- 1.1 To assist the UAP core programme, revise definition of "national library," in conjunction with CNDL.
- 1.2 Participate in design and program for international conference on bibliographic roles of national libraries, scheduled for Copenhagen in November 1998. Topics may include responsibility of national library as national bibliographic agency, coordination of nationwide and regional recording of library materials, coordination of bibliographic projects, terms of availability of records, etc.
- Goal 2
To serve as a forum to share and learn from the experience of the practical problems of national libraries.
- Actions:
- 2.1 Plan and conduct workshop at Amsterdam conference on legal deposit of electronic materials, building on experience of various national libraries. Consider revision of Guidelines for Legal Deposit.
- 2.2 Write, translate and publish brochure inviting all national libraries to join the National Libraries Section as the international forum for sharing and learning from each other's practical experiences.
- Goal 3
To promote research in fields of interest to national libraries--such as acquisition, preservation and servicing of electronic publications--and the exchange of ideas and information, in cooperation with the Conference of Directors of National Libraries.
- Action:
- 3.1 Building on research undertaken by the section in 1996 on strategic planning in national libraries, develop open program for Amsterdam conference on "core competencies" needed for staff in national libraries in the 21st century.
- Goal 4
To further the core programmes of IFLA.
- Actions:
- 4.1 For Bangkok conference, design program on roles of national libraries in assisting public and school libraries, especially in developing countries (in cooperation with the ALP core programme).
- 4.2 For Bangkok conference, design workshop on strategic planning for national libraries, especially in developing countries (in cooperation with the ALP core programme).
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