Library Services to Multicultural Populations Section
Strategic Plan
2006-2007
Mission
The Section brings together libraries and institutions engaged in the development and the
provision of library services designed to reflect the cultural, ethnic and linguistic diversity in
society. The Section works with all types of libraries, especially public libraries, library consortia,
non-library associations and government agencies to develop services and support for multicultural
populations and their cultures in all countries. Multicultural populations can include new
immigrants, indigenous groups, refugees, ethnic minorities and others who are seeking materials in
languages reflective of their needs.
The section promotes, as stated in the UNESCO Public Library Manifesto and in the World Information summit, the right that every individual in our global society has access to a full range of library and information services. In order to achieve this, the Section supports and encourages libraries in all countries to provide services to multicultural populations through the promotion and dissemination of best practices, emerging trends and issues, and relevant programs. The Section serves as an international forum for the exchange of information concerning the development of multilingual and multicultural services.
Goals
1. Promote, in our global society, access to a full range of library and information
services suitable for linguistic, ethnic, and cultural minorities.
Professional Priorities: (a) Supporting the Role of Libraries in Society, (b) Defending the
Principle of Freedom of Information, (d) Providing Unrestricted Access to Information (i)
Promoting Standards, Guidelines and Best Practices.
Pillars: The Society and The Profession
ACTIONS
1.1 Review and revise the Guidelines to take into account technology and other
developments which have an impact on service provision and directions.
1.2 Translate, publish, and disseminate via the Internet the Guidelines in all official IFLA
languages and others as desirable. The Guidelines are translated and published at the IFLA
website in all the official IFLA languages: French, English, Spanish, Russian and German.
In addition into: Japanese, Dutch and Italian
1.3 Translate the pamphlet "Raison d'être for Multicultural Library Services" to all official IFLA languages and in addition into: Danish, Norwegian, Swedish, Japanese, Dutch, Italian and Swahili.
1.4 Translate the pamphlet "Defining Multiculturalism" to all official IFLA languages and in addition into: Danish, Norwegian, Swedish, Japanese, Dutch and Italian.
1.5 Promote and disseminate the two pamphlets to librarians and institutions worldwide
1.6 Produce guidelines for library services to small children
2. Create strategies to support multicultural services and library development in libraries
throughout the world with special interest in developing countries.
Professional Priorities: (i) Promoting Standards, Guidelines and Best Practices, (f)
Promoting Resource Sharing.
Pillars: The Society and The Profession
ACTIONS
2.1 Promote the availability of and access to suitable resources for linguistic and cultural
minorities.
2.2 Support or encourage cooperative purchasing of multicultural materials.
2.3 Encourage attending special language book fairs.
2.4 Follow up the ACTIONS on the theme "Cultural and Linguistic Diversity: Strengthening ILFA's Position" submitted as a resolution on the IFLA conference in Oslo 2005
2.5 Produce and submit a Manifesto on the theme "Libraries and Preservation and Promotion of Linguistic and Cultural Diversity".
3. Work towards the integration of multicultural and multilingual services into the
general management of libraries.
Professional Priorities: (i) Promoting Standards, Guidelines, and Best Practices.
Pillars: The Profession and The Members and The Society
ACTIONS
3.1 Encourage libraries to train local staff on multicultural issues.
3.2 Promote the development of library recruitment policies which reflect the linguistic,
ethnic, and cultural diversities in society by examining best practise.
3.3 Follow up the ACTIONS on the theme "Cultural and Linguistic Diversity: Strengthening ILFA's Position" submitted as a resolution on the IFLA conference in Oslo 2005.
3.4 Produce and submit a Manifesto on the theme "Libraries and Preservation and Promotion of Linguistic and Cultural Diversity".
3.5 In cooperation with Division III develop and submit Guidelines for Library Services to infants, toddlers, their families and related institutions.
3.6 Cooperate with all Sections in Division III for a joint whole day programme on the IFLA Conference in Durban 2007.
4. Promote activities that advance the professional development and competence of
Librarians in multicultural services.
Professional Priorities: (h) Developing Library Professionals, (i) Promoting Standards,
Guidelines and Best Practices.
Pillars: The Profession and The Members
ACTIONS
4.1 Promote and encourage attendance at other relevant conferences and programs.
4.2 Issue the Section's newsletter on a regular schedule twice a year with an optional
summer (pre-conference) issue.
4.3 Recruit other professionals through the use of the IFLA Web site and promotional
brochures and leaflets.
4.5 Promote the use of the web page "International List of Multicultural Professional Library Association Groups and Activities" through the Section's Newsletter and Web site.
4.6 Encourage libraries to train local staff about multicultural issues.
4.7 Propose a structure for the development of a handbook for Multicultural Public Library Services based upon the revised Guidelines.
