A Supportive Environment for Libraries
IFLA is clear that in order to deliver on their missions and realise their potential, libraries everywhere need to benefit from the right combination of infrastructure, laws and financial support.
Given their non-commercial status, libraries rely on funders and decision-makers in governments, host institutions or elsewhere to provide a supportive environment.
At the heart of this are the laws and policies that determine libraries’ functions and responsibilities, including the infrastructure they can use, and funding for staff facilities, resources and services.
A core part of all library advocacy is, therefore, to ensure that decisions in these areas give libraries the possibility to meet the needs of users and innovate in response to a changing world.
At all levels, IFLA works to build support and promote action in favour of supportive laws, investment in high-speed internet connectivity without unnecessary restrictions, and funding processes and decisions that recognise the potential of libraries.