Newsroom

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

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. 

Mobilising for intellectual freedom: interview with the Observatory on Censorship of the Italian Library Association

In the first of an occasional series about how national library associations are addressing questions around freedom of access to information and freedom of expression, we asked the Italian Library Association (AIB) about their experiences, and the lessons they can share. 

Out Now: October 2022 issue of IFLA Journal

The October 2022 issue of IFLA Journal was developed in collaboration with the IFLA Advisory Committee on Freedom of Access to Information and Freedom of Expression (FAIFE) to mark the 20th anniversary of the IFLA Statement on Libraries and Intellectual Freedom.

10 years of the IFLA open access statement: a call to action

IFLA is proud to share its 2022 statement on open access (OA), "10 years of the IFLA open access statement: a call to action". The statement affirms the value of open access and related initiatives,  outlining IFLA's ongoing work in the area. It also offers a commitment to "lead by example, and complete the transition of IFLA’s publications to OA".

Libraries for digital and information welfare: AIB (Italian Library Association) for “Repubblica digitale”

Libraries need to be at the heart of discussions around digital policies and internet governance. This is not just because of how much we depend on these in order to be able to do our jobs, but also because our profession brings unique perspectives and skills. To find out how this is happening in Italy, we talked to the Italian Library Association, who shared the below insights.

Libraries for Human Rights: an Interview with Ellen Tise, Chair, IFLA Advisory Committee on Freedom of Access to Information and Freedom of Expression

With the December edition of IFLA's newsletter focusing on rights, this month's interview brings together IFLA Secretary General with Ellen Tise, IFLA President 2009-2011, and currently chair of IFLA's Advisory Committee on Freedom of Access to Information and Freedom of Expression. He asked her about her perspective on how libraries fit in with wider work on human rights. 

Balancing Inclusion and Freedom of Expression

A new IFLA background paper explores questions and practices around moderation of third-party content in libraries.

Information without Discrimination: IFLA Statement on Hungarian laws on LGBTQ+ content

The following statement was issued by Secretary General Gerald Leitner, on behalf of IFLA on 25 August 2021.

Libraries and the Digital Environment in 2021: Survey

A new IFLA survey gathers insights on the state of libraries in the digital ecosystem in 2021.

Libraries for Human Rights: insights from Zimbabwe

The Zimbabwe Library Association and IFLA have prepared a joint submission for the UN Human Rights Council's Universal Periodic Review of the country. Drawing on the experiences of the library field, the submission flags important trends and ways in which libraries work to support the fundamental rights to education, work, and access to science in Zimbabwe, and sets out recommendations on how more could be done.

Libraries for Human Rights: good practices and key trends in Uganda

A joint submission by IFLA and the Uganda Library and Information Association to the UN Human Rights Council's Universal Periodic Review outlines key developments and ways that libraries work to support the fundamental rights to education, health, and work in Uganda, and how more could be done.

European Dialogue on Internet Governance (EuroDIG) 2021

The 2021 European Dialogue on Internet Governance took place last week, bringing together stakeholders to discuss, collaborate and facilitate good practices around the policies and processes which shape the digital ecosystem today. IFLA summarises some key messages and takeaway lessons for libraries worldwide.

Libraries, Minority Rights and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development: IFLA contributes to an OHCHR call for inputs

The key theme of the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda is “Leaving No-one Behind”; the pandemic has highlighted the urgency of addressing disproportionate barriers and disparities that various minority groups are experiencing. An IFLA input to a UN Human Rights Council consultation examines the role of access to information in facilitating minority rights within the context of sustainable development, and ways that libraries support it.

Libraries, Minority Rights and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development: IFLA contributes to an OHCHR call for inputs

The key theme of the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda is “Leaving No-one Behind”; the pandemic has highlighted the urgency of addressing disproportionate barriers and disparities that various minority groups are experiencing. An IFLA input to a UN Human Rights Council consultation examines the role of access to information in facilitating minority rights within the context of sustainable development, and ways that libraries support it.

Libraries supporting human rights: good practices and key trends from Eswatini, Greece and Ireland

IFLA has submitted contributions for the UN Human Rights Council's Universal Periodic Reviews of Eswatini, Greece and Ireland, working with local partners. These demonstrate how libraries are delivering on rights, as well as highlighting overall trends and priorities.

Access to Information as a Dimension of Development: Supporting and Enabling Fundamental Human Rights

Meaningful access to information – including access infrastructure, user skills, relevant content, supportive policy frameworks – helps deliver on people’s civil, economic, social and cultural rights. IFLA’s response to a recent OHCHR questionnaire highlights good practices and insights from the library field on how to maximise and deliver on this potential.

Libraries and Open Data in 2021: Access, Skills, Engagement

6 March 2021 marks the annual Open Data Day. This international celebration brings together a wide range of stakeholders – from librarians and public servants to developers and statisticians – to showcase creative uses and benefits of open data to drive development and help address today’s societal challenges.