IFLA Regional Conference on Public Libraries Malaysia, November 10-12, 1997

The conference was opened by the Malaysian Minister of Education, Seri Najib Tun Razak. He spoke of the importance of making public libraries user-friendly and the need to attract children and young people. Sissel Nilsen spoke about the Unesco Public Library Manifesto, which has now been translated into Malay, and there were a number of excellent papers on governance and finance, cooperation and networking, libraries in a reading and creative society and the use of information technology. These were followed by lively discussions in which the issue of charging for services kept recurring The conference also included workshop sessions to draft a Plan of Action. This was discussed at the final session and with the report of the conference will be sent to all countries in Asia. It is hoped this will be the springboard for further dvelopment in public libraries in the region.

Delegates were able to see the splendid facilities of the National Library and tours to libraries were arranged. The conference also enjoyed a social evening with many entertainments including a fashion show, perhaps the first at an TFLA sponsored conference. The organisers led by the National Librarian, Mariam Abdul Kadir are to be congratulated on organising such an interesting and stimulating conference in difficult circumstances. There are already many fine public libraries in Malaysia but this conference will provide the impetus for further development both in the host country and elsewhere in the region.

Philip Gill

PLAN FOR ACTION

1. REDEFINING THE OBJECTIVES AND ROLES OF PUBLIC LIBRARIES
   Each library to formulate or redefine its Vision, Mission and Objectives, enhance its role in relation to local community needs in urban and rural areas and set priorities with strategic plans for short-term and long-term action.

2. SETTING STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES FOR PUBLIC LIBRARIES
   Each country to formulate standards and guidelines to monitor,assess and identify opportunities for improvement of collections and services provided. The standards and guidelines formulated will need to emphasise both the qualitative performance measurement and the physical aspect of the library.

3. COOPERATTON ANT) NETWORKTNG AMONGST PUBLIC LIBRARTES
   Each country to establish cooperation and networking amongst public libraries at both national and regional levels. Each library therefore must take steps to:
   i. affiliate itself with existing public library groups at national, regional as well as international level. Where such groups do not exist at national level public libraries in the country will need to initiate their foundation.
   ii. work in partnership with relevant libraries and agencies, in particular national education authorities and school resource centres.
   iii. create bibliographic databases of each library's collection to facilitate sharing of resources within and outside the country.
   iv. collaborate and establish linkages with other libraries using the latest technologies.