International Leaders Programme project descriptions: Open Access

Description: In 2010 IFLA became a formal signatory to the Berlin Declaration on Open Access to Knowledge in the Sciences and Humanities. At the same time, an IFLA Presidential Working Group prepared an official IFLA statement on open access which was formally endorsed by the IFLA Governing Board on April 18th 2011. The statement mandated the creation of an Open Access taskforce with the following objectives:

  • Advocate for the adoption and promotion of open access policies within the framework of the United Nations institutions (UN, UNESCO, WHO, FAO)
  • Connect to the various organizations working for Open Access
  • Provide draft responses on relevant consultations within the field
  • Build Capacity within the IFLA member organizations by developing case studies and best practice to support advocacy for open access
  • Promote open access with the support of divisions, groups and sections within IFLA.

International Platform: UN Institutions

Ownership: Open Access Taskforce

Role of Participant:

  • Advocate for the adoption of open access policies within the UN Framework, particularly through dissemination of information regarding the IFLA position.
  • Develop the IFLA web resources on Open Access, including dedicated webpages and social media outreach
  • Work closely with the organisers of the OA Taskforce to undertake various activities in support of its objectives and, where appropriate, take the lead.
  • Be a full and active member of OA Taskforce through online communications and in-person activities where appropriate.

Expected Commitment of Participant:

  • Attendance at IFLA WLIC 2012, 2013, 2014
  • Active participation in the OA Taskforce. This will involve regular communication (online and by phone), discussion and work assignments (research and policy development) to fulfil the objectives above
  • Production of documentation and materials to develop the IFLA OA web resources.
  • Attendance at relevant meetings, and active participation in associated presentations and advocacy to identified target groups
  • Advocacy for open access policies in the participant’s own country and work with the national library association to develop policies and activities that support this
      

Expected Project Outcomes:

    Participant

    • The participant will get to work and collaborate with senior LIS experts on open access, and gain an understanding of how to effectively advocate for open access policies
    • The participant will develop an understanding of current state of open access at an international institutional level, and the international landscape in which advocacy for open access can take place
    • The participant will gain experience in producing supporting materials that can be used for advocacy at national and international levels.
    • The participant will gain experience of presenting in high-level meetings, and advocating to government officials in support of agreed policy positions.

    IFLA

    • IFLA will gain added capacity and expertise in support of its work on open access, and an advocate for its positions at a national level.
    • IFLA will benefit by being able to draw upon the increased expertise of the participant in future advocacy situations relating to libraries and open access.

    Support/Networks:

    • Director of Policy and Advocacy
    • Chair of IFLA Taskforce on Open Access
    • Members of IFLA Taskforce on Open Access

    Relationship to Programme:

    • Connected with Access to Digital Content/e-Lending Project, Impact Project

    Which Criteria are Most Important in This Project:

    • Written communication skills
    • IT skills
    • Organisational and project management skills
    • Presentation skills
    • Ability to travel internationally

    ALP (Action for Development through Libraries Programme), leadership

    Last update: 5 October 2012