We don’t need to know for sure what the future holds for libraries and the communities they serve in order to be able to play a role in shaping it. The 2024 Trend Report, launched at the Information Futures Summit and made possible by SIGL support, offers a key resource for librarians, libraries and library associations looking to integrate tomorrow into their planning today. Read More
This document represents a unification of library voices in regard to the Internet, it provides our vision of the Internet we want, it sets out a compelling narrative about the place of libraries in the digital space and provides a series of recommendations for different actors. Of course, we also see the manifesto as an opportunity to ensure that the library voice remains relevant and strong in the international discussions that are shaping the way forward in Internet Governance processes. Read More
Small Island Developing States face unique challenges in their efforts to ensure strong, fair and sustainable development. Knowledge, information and libraries can make a major contribution to achieving this, as IFLA’s representatives at the 4th UN SIDS Conference in Antigua and Barbuda underlined. Read More
Last week the WSIS+20 Forum High-Level Event took place in Geneva from the 27 to the 31 of May. This event marked a significant milestone of twenty years of progress made in the implementation of the outcomes of the World Summit on the Information Society, which took place in two phases — Geneva in 2003 and Tunis in 2005. Twenty years ago WSIS was the space that set an initial framework for global digital cooperation with a vision to build people-centric, inclusive, and development-oriented information and knowledge societies. Just as in the the past, IFLA attended this event to continue its ongoing involvement in this process since its foundation at the 2003 Geneva Summit; and engaged in diverse multistakeholder discussions to highlight the crucial role that libraries play as key actors of the information society. Read More
This week, IFLA representatives will be taking part in the 4th United Nations Conference on Small Island Developing States (SIDS). This event, reflecting the unique circumstances and needs of SIDS, will finalise the Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for SIDS (ABAS), providing a framework for action by the UN and international community to support these countries. Read More
IFLA, working with the Technology and Social Change Group at the University of Washington, and with support from Stichting IFLA Global Libraries (SIGL) today launches the 2024 Development and Access to Information Report. This highlights uneven progress in delivering meaningful access, with advances in connectivity not matched by the spread of rights, equity and skills. In parallel, we need both better adapted laws, and investment in libraries to turn this access into success in delivering on the SDGs. Read More
This symposium aim to empower participants to confront censorship and develop solutions promoting open access to information and fostering welcoming library environments. Read More
The Advisory Committee on Freedom of Access to Information and Freedom of Expression (FAIFE), together with the Artificial Intelligence Special Interest Group are pleased to announce the International Seminar on Artificial Intelligence and Information Integrity under the theme: Building Trust: Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Information Integrity. … Read More
In September, the UN announced 12 High-Impact Initiatives as a package intended to accelerate progress on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These offer a variety of opportunities to highlight the work of libraries, and seek recognition and support, at national and global levels. Read More
IFLA participted actively in last week's European Regional Forum on Sustainable Development, drawing on the rich experience of Polish libraries in particular in both supporting the response to crises, and in promoting inclusive development. Read More