The FAIFE Network

Draft proposal to
the governing body

By Alex Byrne
Chair of IFLA/FAIFE Committee
August 2001


Background
As accepted by the Executive Board, the priorities of the FAIFE Committee and Office are to:

  1. Promote freedom of access to information and freedom of expression as fundamental human rights which are vital cornerstones of the mission of libraries to be gateways to knowledge in support of human rights, peace, democracy and development.
  2. Be the leading organisation in responding to attacks and limitations on libraries and librarians, seeking the support and assistance of other organisations as appropriate.
  3. Support and assist other organisations which are addressing other relevant issues which may indirectly affect libraries and librarians.


Since the establishment of the FAIFE initiative at the Copenhagen Council in August 1997, the Committee and the FAIFE Office have developed many contacts and collaborators around the world. The FAIFE Office staff has established contact with a wide range of international bodies including the International Freedom of Expression Exchange (IFEX), Unesco, Council of Europe, ALA, Article19, Index on Censorship and the Norwegian Forum for Freedom of Expression. Those contacts and collaborators have provided information and assistance including reports on incidents and countries, translations of FAIFE materials and liaison.


However, it is clearly impossible for an Office based in one city and less than thirty members of the Committee from various countries to give full voice to the FAIFE priorities through all of the world’s languages, cultures and countries. We need to be able to take advantage of the interest of libraries, library associations, library and information professionals, and, especially, IFLA members throughout the world. Many IFLA members have indicated their desire to support the work of FAIFE within their own countries and regions. This proposal is intended to provide a framework in which such support may be both encouraged and recognised.

The Network
The Committee recommends to the Governing Body the establishment of a formal network of a small number of IFLA Centres for Free Access to Information and Freedom of Expression. The activity of centres would include acting as a rapporteur for the identified region, promoting intellectual freedom in relation to libraries and translating documents to or from relevant languages. Action on incidents could only be taken with approval from the FAIFE Chair or IFLA Secretary General in accordance with established practice. This network will complement the network of several hundred human rights organisations and activists in libraries and elsewhere that the Office has developed. The focus should be on not only the issue of violations of free access to information but also on development of library services in developing countries and support for newly democratic states.
The network will consist of a number Association or Institution members of IFLA which apply to the Governing Body or the delegate of the Governing Body via the FAIFE Advisory Board to be recognised as an IFLA Centre for Free Access to Information and Freedom of Expression. Individual members may be recognised by the Committee and Office as rapporteurs as at present.

Network members must make a formal commitment to:

  1. Support fully the IFLA Statement on Libraries and Intellectual Freedom
  2. be active in a specified nation or region and
  3. be self supporting

With the advice of the FAIFE Advisory Board, the Governing Body may approve, with or without qualifications, such applications for a period of three years, and may extend the term of a Centre for additional periods of up to three years, following a review of the performance at the end of each three year period. A formal contract will be negotiated, similar to those employed between IFLA and hosts of Core Activities.

Activities of Network Members
Centres may act as a rapporteur for the identified country or region, promote intellectual freedom in relation to libraries and translate documents to or from relevant languages. They will be expected to develop documented policies and procedures for the approval of the FAIFE Advisory Board, to maintain records of their activities and submit reports at least twice a year.
Centres will not normally be authorised to take action on any incidents or to make announcements in the name of IFLA. Incidents must be promptly reported to the Office which will coordinate investigation and the development of responses. Action on incidents may only be taken with approval from the FAIFE Chair or IFLA Secretary General in accordance with established practice. Where possible, Committee members will be polled for quick response prior to any actions in case they should have relevant specialised knowledge or contacts.

Recognition of Network Members
Centres will be able to use an IFLA/FAIFE logo to identify their recognition. The may be used on stickers at the entrance to the Centre’s premises, on their stationery and their website but may not be used to endorse any service or business activity of the Centre.

Identification of Network Members
Centres should be established on each continents or major region. The following regions has been identified as possible regions for the establishment of Network Centres:

  • Asia
  • Eastern Europe
  • Latin America
  • North Africa or Middle East
  • North America
  • Pacific
  • Sub-Saharan Africa

    RECOMMENDATION
    That the Governing Body approves the establishment of a formal network of IFLA Centres for Free Access to Information and Freedom of Expression.