   
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 may 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 Plan 2000-2001
(many actions support multiple goals)
- To identify the range and nature of tasks of a national library allowing for differing historical, political, economic, technological, cultural and other circumstances.
- Action 1.1 Convene workshop at Jerusalem conference on legislation for national libraries
- Action 1.2 Participate in Library of Congress bicentennial symposium in October 2000, focusing on the past and future of national libraries.
- To serve as a forum to share and learn from the experience of the practical problems of national libraries.
- Action 2.1 Translate Section brochure into all IFLA languages in order to encourage broader participation by libraries throughout the world
- Action 2.2 Publish Section newsletter, including conference papers and news relating to national libraries.
- To promote research in fields of interest to national libraries - such as acquisition, description, preservation and servicing of electronic publications - and the exchange of ideas and information, in cooperation with the Conference of Directors of National Libraries (CDNL).
- Action 3.1 Initiate a project/survey of marketing/public relations programs of national libraries and present results at a conference program in Boston
- To promote the study and sharing of practical experience about ways in which national libraries must adapt to the digital environment.
- Action 4.1 Follow progress of CDNL working group on the use of persistent identifiers for digital objects by national libraries. This group is chaired by the Section Chair, and includes members from several national libraries.
- Action 4.2 Co-sponsor (with IT Section) program at Jerusalem conference on URN's.
- Action 4.3 Co-sponsor (with other components of Division I) pre-conference in 2000 on the Alexandrian vision of libraries in a digital age
- Action 4.4 Update Section regularly on activities of the "G-7" Biblioteca universalis project.
- To advance the core programs and activities of IFLA
- Action 5.1 Plan and deliver program at Jerusalem conference on the role of national libraries in the support of IFLA's core programs and activities
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