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Artificial Intelligence and Information Integrity at MEXINFO 2024

On August 8, 2024, the International Seminar on Artificial Intelligence and Information Integrity at MEXINFO, hosted by UNAM in Mexico City, brought together global participants for insightful discussions on the interplay between AI and information integrity. The seminar, a collaboration between IFLA's Advisory Committee on Freedom of Access to Information and Freedom of Expression (FAIFE) and the Artificial Intelligence Special Interest Group, aimed to explore the benefits, challenges, and ethical implications of AI in the context of libraries and information systems. Keynote speaker Andrew Cox, from the University of Sheffield, highlighted AI's growing role in libraries, including new methods for describing collections and the use of chatbots for inquiries. He also addressed the ethical challenges posed by AI, such as bias, privacy concerns, and the erosion of trust in information systems. The seminar featured a panel discussion with IFLA leaders and partners, including Jonathan Hernandez, Jeannette Lebron, and Jonathan Band, who examined the impact of AI on IFLA policy and the unique challenges faced by different regions, particularly in Latin America and the Caribbean. The event also featured twelve presentations covering topics like AI's impact on trust, ethical considerations, and AI literacy, with contributions from participants worldwide. Maria De Brasdefer from IFLA HQ provided updates on IFLA’s digital inclusion initiatives and the new IFLA Internet Manifesto, urging engagement with the manifesto’s content to strengthen libraries' roles in the digital space. Overall, the seminar offered a comprehensive overview of AI's current and future impact on libraries, fostering a deeper understanding of the opportunities and challenges ahead.

Unshelving Voices: Empowering Libraries Against Censorship

On August 6-7, 2024, the “Unshelving Voices” symposium at UNAM in Mexico City brought together a diverse group of presenters and participants from around the world to discuss and tackle the pressing issue of censorship in libraries. Hosted by the MEXINFO and UNAM organizers, this event was a resounding success, thanks to the insightful contributions and active engagement of all involved. “Unshelving Voices” was a collaboration of the IFLA (International Federal of Library Associations) groups including the Advisory Committee on Freedom of Access to Information and Freedom of Information (FAIFE), the LGBTQ+ Special Interest Group, the School Libraries Section, and the Management of Library Associations Section (MLAS).

Addressing censorship, information integrity, indigenous matters and AI at the Mexican Information Global Forum

The event held contemporary and historical public debates on the power of knowledge and information conveyed by institutions and people with different profiles and trajectories within the fields of research, activism and professional practice in different parts of the world. Individuals presented research projects and initiatives that aim to improve and make access to information more equal.

Launch of IFLA's Internet Manifesto!

This document represents a unification of library voices in regard to the Internet, it provides our vision of the Internet we want, it sets out a compelling narrative about the place of libraries in the digital space and provides a series of recommendations for different actors. Of course, we also see the manifesto as an opportunity to ensure that the library voice remains relevant and strong in the international discussions that are shaping the way forward in Internet Governance processes.

Health information is a right – new IFLA statement

Libraries of different types, through providing inclusive access to information can make a major contribution to making the right to health a reality. Governments, in turn, can and should help realise this potential through law, regulation and funding, as a new statement from IFLA underlines.

Launch of 'Everywhere All the Time' - a digital literacy intervention that fosters critical conversations about technology and AI

With a growing generation of people relying on the internet for learning, entertainment and socializing, it's crucial to cultivate their capacity to ask critical questions about how technology impacts their lives, their communities and the planet. But how can educators guide teens to understand and navigate the digital world confidently? “Everywhere, All the Time” is a creative and playful digital literacy intervention, aiming to do just that.

International Seminar on Artificial Intelligence and Information Integrity

Call for abstracts: Symposium on Indigenous Matters and IFLA Journal Special Edition

The IFLA Indigenous Matters Section, together with the FAIFE and CLM Advisory Committees, seeks abstracts for a hybrid symposium on theme of “Stewarding Indigenous Knowledge through Ethics, Law, and the Archive”.

Call for presentations: International Symposium on Libraries and Censorship

Call for presentations: International Symposium on Libraries and Censorship

Launch of Internet Manifesto open working document & final online consultations 🗣

Provide your comments via the open working document before April 3, join an online consultation session or sign up to conduct a thematic workshop!

IFLA submits response to UN consultation on information integrity

IFLA has submitted its response to a consultation run by the United Nations in the context of the preparation of its Code of Conduct on Information Integrity. In this, we underline the role of libraries in supporting the information integrity agenda, as well as calling for a stronger positive agenda on promoting access to, and appreciation of quality information. 

IFLA's Internet Manifesto 2024 - Why is it relevant and who will benefit?

IFLA approved its fist Internet Manifesto in 2002, providing early recognition of the vital role that the Internet plays in the library and information services field. In 2014, a second version of the manifesto was published, not only to reflect on the changes that the Internet had gone through those years, but also to reaffirm the crucial role of libraries in ensuring equitable access to the Internet and supporting freedom of access to information.

FAIFE global Intellectual Freedom Survey: participants sought

IFLA’s Advisory Committee on Freedom of Access to Information and Freedom of Expression (FAIFE) is seeking participants in a survey on Intellectual Freedom in libraries.

Empowering libraries to lead in developing collections: President's statement on censorship

In the light of regular reports of limitations on libraries' ability freely to build and maintain collections to respond to the needs of communities, IFLA President Barbara Lison has made the following statement

IFLA’s Updated Statement on Open Access – a pathway forward 

A little less than a year ago, IFLA’s Governing Board issued an updated statement on Open Access: ‘10 years of the IFLA Open Access statement: a call to action’. This update was timely. Much has changed since the previous IFLA position on the topic, which was already more than 10 years old.   

Why the right of access to information matters for development

IFLA has made a submission to a call by the UN Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression for evidence around the link between this freedom and sustainable development. This highlights the importance of freedom of access to information, and the role of libraries in making this meaningful and universal. 

FAIFE: Notes on Human Rights and Freedom of Expression 2022 (and hopes for 2023)

2022 brought many challenges for Human Rights and Freedom of Expression. The reports of several NGOs and international organizations offer a global picture of threats to free expression.

Libraries for an inclusive internet – and internet governance!

IFLA was active at the 2022 Internet Governance Forum, held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, speaking both in UNESCO sessions on Internet Universality Indicators, and the Dynamic Coalition on Public Access in Libraries session on inclusive internet governance.

Out Now: December 2022 issue of IFLA Journal

The December 2022 issue contains 18 articles that represent perspectives from across the LIS field.

IFLA submits contribution to the UN Global Digital Compact consultation

Drawing on contributions from colleagues from across the global library field, IFLA has shared its answers to the survey run by the United Nations as part of its Global Digital Compact initiative. This submission is available to read and review.