Section for Libraries Serving Disadvantaged Persons

Medium Term Programme 1998-2001

Scope statement

This Section provides an international forum for the discussion of ideas, sharing of experiences and development of projects designed to promote and improve the effectiveness of library and information services to such groups, and the promotion of national and international cooperation at all levels.

Action Plans, 1999-2001

1. romote the availability of and access to suitable resources for people who require alternative materials and/or services
   • Work with National Library Associations and IFLA's committee on Copyright and Other Legal Matters (CLM) to develop a harmony in how copyright law is interpreted by individual countries and thereby facilitating alternative formatting for persons with special needs.

   • Promotion of sign language interpretation during IFLA conferences.

2. To develop guidelines for access to library collections and services for people who are unable to make use of conventional library resources, including the provision of appropriate aids.
   • Start a project to develop Guidelines for library services to persons with dyslexia.

   • Complete the project to develop "Guidelines for Hospital Libraries" and publish them in the five official IFLA languages

   • Translated the second edition of "Guidelines for Library Services to the Deaf" into the five official IFLA languages

3. To encourage research into the status of library and information services to the disadvantaged.

   • Complete the project to develop an International Resource Book for Libraries Serving Disadvantaged Persons.

   • Members to participate in relevant seminars and/or conferences whenever possible

4. To raise professional awareness and promote the development of appropriate staff training.

   • Use the National Commission on Libraries and Information Science (NCLIS) grant to hold a workshop in 2000, for librarians working with disadvantaged persons.

5. To disseminate and share information amongst relevant organizations, both internal and external to IFLA

   • Continue to publish/distribute the bi-annual Section Newsletter on both hard copy and on the Internet.

   • Arrange joint sessions/workshops with relevant organizations and IFLA Sections.

   • Formalize the consultative Status relationship with the World Federation for the Deaf through pursuing joint ventures.

   • Pursue a Consultative Status relationship with the International Dyslexia Association.
6. To study the impact of technological developments and the electronic environment upon library and information services to disadvantaged users.
   • Include a focus on technological developments in Section Programming for future IFLA conferences
7. To promote membership of the Section and maintain as broad an international representation as possible.
   • Produce and distribute a new Section brochure and translate it into the five official IFLA languages

   • Encourage members from the Sections of Division VIII to participate in joint projects and/or programs.