IFLA President Barbara Lison will participate in a symposium on the future of libraries at the National University Library of Strasbourg (Bibliothèque nationale et universitaire de Strasbourg [Bnu]).
The events of 15 April at the Cathedral of Notre Dame have shaken many, not just in Paris but around the world. For those who work in the heritage field, it is particularly heart-breaking. It is also a reminder of the importance of preservation and prevention.
The need to preserve the benefits of an open internet while finding means to address concerns about the way it works was high on the agenda at the 13th Internet Governance Forum, held in Paris from 12-14 November. IFLA was active, underlining how libraries do not only bring connectivity and training, but also essential values and skills to the discussion.
With half the world's population still offline, the need for meaningful solutions to ensure that everyone has the possibility to connect is as high as ever. While traditional commercial provision will have a role, alternatives must also be mobilised, not least libraries. This was the message of an event co-organised by IFLA in the margins of the Internet Governance Forum in Paris on 13 November.
IFLA President Glòria Pérez-Salmerón has placed realising the potential of libraries to empower their users in a digital society, and so achieve development goals, at the heart of her mandate. In an interview with French magazine Livres Hebdo, she sets out her vision and priorities.