National Libraries Section
The National Libraries Section is concerned with the full range of functions within national libraries.
The Section also works closely with the Conference of Directors of National Libraries (CDNL) and the IFLA-CDNL Alliance for Digital Strategies (ICADS).
National libraries have special responsibilities, often defined in law, within a nation's library and information system. These responsibilities vary from country to country but are likely to include: the collection via legal deposit of the national imprint (both print and electronic) and its cataloguing and preservation; the provision of central services (e.g., reference, bibliography, preservation, lending) to users both directly and through other library and information centres; the preservation and promotion of the national cultural heritage; acquisition of at least a representative collection of foreign publications; the promotion of national cultural policy; and leadership in national literacy campaigns.
National libraries often serve as a national forum for international programmes and projects. They may have a close relationship with national governments, may be concerned with the development of national information policies, and may act as a conduit for the views of other sectors of the profession. Occasionally they also serve the information needs of the legislature directly.
The Section is sponsoring the National Organizations and International Relations Special Interest Group and the National Information and Library Policy Special Interest Group.
Last update: 10 January 2012
