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Equity, Inclusion and Metadata

This month, the IFLA Newsletter focuses on diversity, equity, and inclusion. It seems a good moment to explain why six IFLA committees are sponsoring a proposal to create an IFLA network dedicated to the topic of accessibility metadata.

A spotlight on multicultural populations and issues of interest 

Located in California, within the United States, San José State University (SJSU) School of Information has been highly involved with diversity, equity, inclusion, and social justice initiatives. We have recently held some unique events that spotlight multicultural populations:

IFLA’s MCULTP Section: Contributions towards DEI initiatives

The IFLA MCULTP (Library Services to Multicultural Populations) section is one of the few IFLA sections whose mandate is directly aligned with DEI. While Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) is experienced and practiced in differently across the globe, many common grounds exist that can provide a foundation and basis for concerted efforts amongst LIS professionals internationally.

Metropolitan Libraries: A view to inclusion and representation

As the IFLA section that explores the role of libraries within urban areas, the Metropolitan Libraries (METLIB) Section focuses on how libraries can be agents of urban development and catalysts of civic engagement. The world is a collection of disparate faiths, origins, identities, backgrounds, and beliefs. While every country and region may have ones that are culturally dominant, it is in the largest cities that you often encounter the broadest spectrum of humanity.

Library Impact Ontario: Bridging the Digital Divide

Inclusive subject terms are critical for equitable access to library materials

Subject metadata forms a critical access point in bibliographic and other information systems, providing access through search terms and browsing or filtering through subject links. Typically, libraries use standardized knowledge organization systems to provide better access to information resources. However, many of these standardized systems are problematic because they include outdated, harmful, exclusionary, or critical terms may not be present at all in thesauri or vocabularies. Problematic terms can negatively impact library users of all kinds. There is an increasing recognition of the need for more equitable and inclusive language subject metadata. The Subject Analysis and Access Section (SAA) has taken up several initiatives related to diversity, equity, and inclusion regarding subject access.

International organisations for authors, publishers, booksellers and libraries call for key freedoms to be respected

In recognition of the increasing efforts to restrict books, those who write them, publish them or make them available to readers, five organisations representing authors, publishers, booksellers and libraries worldwide have issued a joint statement.

Midterm Business Meeting in Lima – Peru: Quick Report

IFLA ARL "Hot Topics" '24 session: call for abstracts

New IFLA ARL Blog post: "Combatting Digital Amnesia: The Crucial Role of Librarians"

LGBTQ+ Users Special Interest Group resource repository

The LGBTQ Users group is aimed at professionals in libraries and documentation centers to strengthen their skills in addressing LGBTQ+ users information needs. It thus creates tools to enhance professional practice and inspire the community. Among them, a repository has been set up to help librarians build LGBTQ+ collections by easily locate places where to find reliable resources. The document is a work in progress and is intended to be participatory. We hope for collective goodwill to identify relevant resources: professional blogs, bookstores, specialized social media libraries, working groups in professional associations in as many languages as possible... Also, if you are aware of a rich and interesting resource , do not hesitate to send it to us so that we can enrich this directory!

Literacy and Reading: For a more inclusive society

The Literacy and Reading section has been focusing on the transformative nature of reading and literacy.  The committee has focused on sharing examples of programming that centered on promoting hope, resiliency and well-being from around the globe, including presentations focused on integrating music into reading programs, library in a box outreach services to the elderly and homebound and promoting affirmational mindfulness with passive and active programming in the library.

Libraries at the European Digital and Media Literacy Week

From February 27th to March 1st, the European Digital and Media Literacy Week took place in Brussels. Representatives from educational and media organizations across various countries participated in the international conference, offering insights into ongoing and forthcoming initiatives aimed at enhancing population literacy, promoting media education, countering disinformation, and advancing digital literacy.

IFLA LSN mid-term meeting and seminar in Bangkok

All Gender Bathrooms Project – University of Sydney Library, Australia

A strategic priority for the University of Sydney Library is to foster a values-based culture and to build staff capability and create a safe, inclusive, and welcoming experience for all members of our community. This aligns with recent developments in bathroom provision world-wide.

Lincoln Corners: Cultural understanding in Pakistan

Lincoln Corners is a partnership program between the Embassy of the United State of America and Pakistani university libraries, public libraries and cultural centres are part of this program. Currently 19 Lincon Corner centres are providing services throughout Pakistan via consuls general in Islamabad, Lahore, Karachi and Peshawar.

Everyone is welcome: New Professionals SIG programs for all

Since its formation, the New Professionals SIG (NPSIG) has welcomed all librarians and LIS students passionate about libraries. Our programs and activities are designed to bring new professionals together in a welcoming environment. This summer, we are holding IFLACamp online to allow everyone to attend and enjoy this event with us. This year's theme is Libraries of the Future.

Language representation: an example from Switzerland

Diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) is a strategic focus area of the IFLA Acquisition and Collection Development (ACD) Section, whose standing committee has a diverse membership. One initiative in the ACD work plan this year is to explore the global landscape of DEI in acquisition and collection development, to prepare for the coming changes in this area. We explore a Swiss example of DEI to demonstrate its application to acquisition and collection development practices.

Libraries at the heart of a UNESCO Learning City: An interview with the city of São Filipe, Cabo Verde