Embracing digital innovation: an inspired Asia and Oceania share their Global Vision

It was full steam ahead for the IFLA Global Vision Regional Workshop tour as key players from the Asia and Oceania library field came together on 23 – 25 May to contribute their ideas for actions in our second phase of this unique worldwide discussion.

Hanoi, Viet Nam, was our destination and the National Library of Viet Nam offered the 37 participants from 31 countries a welcome that stimulated a constant flow of ideas. With these, IFLA continues to turn the top ten highlights and opportunities from the IFLA Global Vision Report Summary into clear actions that will power literate, informed and participative societies.

With 858 collective years of library experience, the participants were well placed to ensure that the most relevant Global Vision Opportunities for Asia and Oceania were explored in depth. 

Embracing digital innovation

The speed of technological change represents a significant issue for libraries the world over. In the first phase of the IFLA Global Vision, it was recognised that, as a sector, libraries do embrace digital innovation (Highlight 4 in the Report Summary). The Asia Oceania region is indeed renowned as a thought-leader in this field.

In bringing together library leaders from very diverse backgrounds, the workshop provided a great opportunity to share experience and ideas on how to ensure all libraries can have the right tools, infrastructure, funding and skills. As the examples and ideas set out by participants underlined, a united library field would facilitate stronger collaboration and exchange to build networks. This in turn would give libraries everywhere the opportunity better to serve their communities using the potential of digital technology. 

Opening the fifth Global Vision Regional Workshop, IFLA President Glòria Pérez-Salmerón said:

Our local situations may be different. So too may be the specific actions needed to respond. But we share our overall goals, power and passion. And this is why we will deliver on our commitments because we know better than anyone else that “Libraries are the motor for change”

In her welcome to participants, Dr. Trinh Thi Thuy Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Viet Nam underlined: 

This regional workshop will strengthen relationships across the library field, address the challenges we face, and help the library field to grow stronger”

An ideas store for libraries

Rounding up the workshop, IFLA Secretary General, Gerald Leitner, urged the room to go back to their countries and organise their own workshops:

It’s now over to you! What are the opportunities that matter locally and what ideas does your library community have? Bring this discussion back to your homes so that we can generate an ideas store that will be a source of inspiration for every librarian around the world.”

IFLA Global Vision travels next to Africa for our final Regional Workshop on the 6-8 July. 

View all the photos from the Asia and Oceania Global Vision Regional Workshop in our Flickr album