Medium Term Programme 1998-2001

IN THIS DOCUMENT:

Scope statement

Goals, 1998-2001 - Action Plans, 1999-2000

Medium Term Programme Archive

Section on Reading

Scope statement

The purpose of the Section is to provide a focal point for the study and discussion of the promotion of reading and print culture and electronic media, and of the integration of reading research and reading development activities. It covers issues such as increasing the social awareness of the significance of reading and general literacy, functional literacy in various cultural settings and illiteracy in different milieus, teaching the encouragement of reading with special emphasis on the younger generation, reader's skills and reading habits, the interaction of audiovisual media and reading in the new electronic environment. The relationship between reading research and reading promotion is considered very significant in professional terms.

The Section is concerned with a range of activities that affect all types of libraries, library associations, and institutions related to reading and literacy development. The Section works in co-operation with the Working Group on Literacy, which is studying the feasibility of a Core Programme on Literacy. It cooperates with other international reading and library associations.

Goals, 1998-2001 - Action Plans, 1999-2000

GOAL 1.
To assume a leadership role in outlining strategies for international campaigns that support reading development.
Action: 1.1 To work with national and international reading associations in organizing joint conferences and seminars on related issues, publishing relevant papers, conducting research, and promoting reading in different countries. Closer cooperation is planned with the International Reading Association's International Development in Europe Committee, sponsor of the 1999 European Conference on Reading, and with the International Book Committee, a UNESCO advisory body.
Action: 1.2 To work, through IFLANET and with links to other websites, to serve as a clearinghouse for information about literacy promotion and research projects and their organizational sponsors.
GOAL 2.
To monitor and promote the dissemination of knowledge and research about reading, literacy, readers, and library patrons.
Action: 2.1 To publish the English and Russian versions of the proceedings of the International Conference "Libraries and Reading in Times of Cultural Change" (Vologda, Russia, June 18-22, 1996) held in cooperation with the IFLA Round Table on Library History.
Action: 2.2. To publish the English and French versions of the proceedings of the June 1998 international conference, "Libraries, Reading, and Publishing in the Cold War," held in cooperation with the IFLA Round Table on Library History.
Action: 2.3 To establish a column in the Section on Reading Newsletter a column citing recent research in relevant areas of concern.
GOAL 3.
To promote among librarians, educators, and other cultural agents a better understanding of reading promotino, reading patterns, and literacy problems.
Action: 3.1 To organize at each annual IFLA conference an open session that discusses reading and literacy issues.
Action: 3.2 To participate with the IFLA Library History Round Table and IFLA National Library Section in the Library of Congress conference in the year 2000 on national library functions.
GOAL 4.
To explore various ways of promoting reading and literacy in specific cultural milieus.
Action: 4.1 To work with the IFLA Working Group on Literacy as it develops plans for greater IFLA involvement in literacy issues.
Action: 4.2 To develop and publicize guidelines for literacy programs in libraries.
GOAL 5.
To emphasize the role of reading in children's development and to outline various approaches and methods that have been used in different countries.
Action: 5.1 To become a cosponsor of the IFLA-UNESCO "Books for All" library development project.
Action: 5.2 To provide advice and publicity for the UNESCO-coordinated "Reading for All" international reading promotion project.
GOAL 6.
To promote bembership in the section in order to increase effectiveness.
Action: 6.1 To cooperate with other IFLA units with similar interests.
Action: 6.2 To prepare a promotional leaflet about the Section and to translate it into three official languages.

Latest Revision: May 5, 2000