Government Information and Official Publications Section
Strategic Plan
2005-2007
Mission
The Mission of the Government Information and Official Publications Section is to promote the discovery, collection, bibliographic control, preservation and dissemination of information from and about governments, intergovernmental organizations and public non-governmental organizations. By achieving free and equitable access to quality information it is hoped to ensure accountability from governments and other public bodies to the people they serve.
Goals and Activities:
1. Continue the Section's ongoing series of professional seminars and training programs in different regions of the world.
Activities:
a. Develop linkages and research funding options for seminars for government information librarians in Asia, the Middle East and South America.
b. Conduct follow-up seminar in Africa.
c. Complete any remaining work for dissemination of the summaries of the May 1999 professional seminar held in Moscow for librarians from Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union.
Professional priorities: Supporting the Role of Libraries in Society; Defending the Principle of Freedom of Information; Providing Unrestricted Access to Information; Promoting Standards, Guidelines, and Best Practices
IFLA Pillars: Society; Profession; Members
2. Review plans and modalities for the Directory of Government Information Specialists.
Activities:
a. Assess feasibility of the Internet version
b. Determine whether, how and when to publish print version.
Professional priorities: Supporting the Role of Libraries in Society; Defending the Principle of Freedom of Information; Providing Unrestricted Access to Information; Promoting resource sharing; Promoting Standards, Guidelines, and Best Practices
IFLA Pillars: Society; Profession; Members
3. Conduct workshops and special meetings/seminars, in conjunction with IFLA annual conferences, on methods of electronic access to information produced by governments, inter-governmental organizations and public non-governmental organizations.
Activities:
a. Conduct post-Addis Ababa network meeting and seminar for Durban Conference.
b. Plans and initiate activities, including assisting with sponsorships to ensure substantial attendance at Africa network meeting at Quebec Conference.
Professional priorities: Supporting the Role of Libraries in Society; Defending the Principle of Freedom of Information; Providing Unrestricted Access to Information; Promoting Standards, Guidelines, and Best Practices
IFLA Pillars: Society; Profession; Members
4. Develop educational tool-kit to train users and information professionals in means of access to government information.
Activities:
a. Review the Internet version and extend it.
b. Explore options for publication in other media.
Professional priorities: Supporting the Role of Libraries in Society; Defending the Principle of Freedom of Information; Providing Unrestricted Access to Information; Promoting Standards, Guidelines, and Best Practices
IFLA Pillars: Society; Profession; Members
5. Raise awareness of the issues surrounding impediments to access to government information.
Activities:
a. Conference or seminar on copyright and user fees
b. Publish series of papers from preceding GIOPS conference sessions
Professional priorities: Supporting the Role of Libraries in Society; Defending the Principle of Freedom of Information; Providing Unrestricted Access to Information; Promoting Standards, Guidelines, and Best Practices
IFLA Pillars: Society; Profession; Members
