Realising the Potential: Integrating Libraries into Adult Education Strategies
26 abril 2024
To mark the 7th meeting of the International Conference on Adult Education, IFLA is releasing research looking into the place of libraries in adult learning strategies around the world.
Drawing on the database of strategies maintained by the UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning, Eurydice in Europe, and submissions to the Global Report on Adult Learning and Education, the report explores how far, and in what ways, the role of libraries is recognised.
It finds a wide variety of references, from highlighting how the creation of public libraries effectively represented the start of the adult learning and education movement, to the involvement of national libraries and library associations in overall lifelong learning policy development.
In both more and less industrialised countries, libraries are seen as key players in promoting literacy, as well as providing access to technology in order to bridge digital divides and open up possibilities for distance learning for all.
The theme of libraries acting as partners for other stakeholders appears many times, making the most of the unique set of characteristics that libraries can bring to collaborations. In particular, their implantation in communities can make them highly effective as centres for more inclusive learning, as can the presence of skilled and committed staff.
Finally, there is the ongoing importance of libraries in providing access to content – while much is available online, it remains the case that relevant, affordable, quality content, in a language they can understand, is not always easy to find for many people around the world.
Nonetheless, the report underlines that libraries may not be receiving the recognition that they deserve, or need in order to fulfil their roles. Even countries with very strong library sectors risk failing to take account of our institutions in key national policies and strategies.
This brings the risk of missing opportunities to promote learning societies, and so falling short of the goal of giving everyone a meaningful right to learn throughout life. We hope that at the 7th International Conference on Adult education, the work of libraries will be recognised and integrated into future planning.
Read more in our executive summary and full report:
Realising the Potential: Integrating Libraries into Adult Learning and Education Strategies (Executive Summary)
In many countries, the initial development of adult education and that of public libraries were one and the same thing. Giving the possibility to people outside of the formal education system to learn, discover and build their skills was – and continues to be – at the heart of the mission of lib...
Realising the Potential: Integrating Libraries into Adult Learning and Education Strategies (Full Report)
In many countries, the initial development of adult education and that of public libraries were one and the same thing. Giving the possibility to people outside of the formal education system to learn, discover and build their skills was – and continues to be – at the heart of the mission of lib...