IFLA has lent its support to efforts to ensure that least developed countries continue to enjoy greater flexibilities and lower administrative requirements in implementing trade deals. Retaining these possibilities will support investment, and more favourable laws, for education and research, and the libraries that support them. Read More
The negotiation of the Intellectual Property Protocol of the African Continental Free Trade Area offers an opportunity to shape laws across the continent to support education, research and development. IFLA and AfLIA have set out ten principles for negotiators to bear in mind to make this happen. Read More
The Hague, 2 July 2012 [PDF] The International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) and the European Bureau of Library, Information and Documentation Associations (EBLIDA) represent the interests of the global and European… Read More
English | français The International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) is the global voice of the international library community. Libraries play an essential role in fostering equitable access to information and cultural expression while ensuring compliance with copyright principles and regulations within their… Read More
On 22 February 2016, IFLA co-signed the Brussels Declaration on Trade and the Internet in support of sustainable, transparent, accountable and democratic international trading systems. The Declaration calls for an end to secretive and unaccountable trade negotiations, like the ones that led to Trans-Pacific Partnership agreement (TPP). While… Read More
The work of libraries relies on the existence of a modern and complete set of exceptions and limitations to copyright. While national legislation is usually the responsibility of national parliaments and policy-makers, the influence of International trade deals – and Treaties – is significant. The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) – currently under renegotiation – is no exception. Following a meeting in Washington, IFLA and other library organisations have endorsed a series of principles on balance in trade deals. Read More
Despite political criticisms, trade-based globalisation is an unavoidable part of modern economies and society. As countries have sought to facilitate exchanges of goods and services, they have signed deals that have far reaching effects on national legislation. IFLA held a panel at this year's WTO Public Forum to explore the impacts on libraries, and whether recent trends give grounds for optimism or pessimism. Read More
Exceptions and limitations have been a key part of the international copyright system since its inception, protecting and promoting the goals of education and innovation. Increasingly, they are shaped by the text of trade deals. What impact will this have for access to knowledge, and the institutions that promote this? IFLA is organising a panel discussion at the WTO Public Forum on 28 September to find out. Read More
Under the theme Inclusive Trade, the World Trade Organization Public Forum will be an opportunity to discuss how a wider range of individuals and businesses can participate in the trading system and how WTO rules can help to ensure everyone benefits from trade. At… Read More