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Looking Ahead at Climate Action in 2022

Libraries as Cultural Rights Defenders: Looking ahead to Culture, Heritage, and Development in 2022

As the global voice of libraries, IFLA strives to bring a library perspective to discussions and processes relating to international cultural policy. 2022 presents important opportunities to bring library voices to the table and highlight libraries as stakeholders in the culture sector.

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. 

Libraries Inspire: Transcript of the Session with Professor Karima Bennoune

Among the different types of human rights set out in international law, cultural rights have a particular relevance for libraries. Our institutions are key actors in guaranteeing the right of everyone to participate in cultural life, from creativity, to access, to the preservation of heritage. Professor Karima Bennoune, UN Special Rapporteur on Cultural Rights 2015-2021, focused on this topic in her keynote intervention at WLIC 2021.

Libraries Sustain: Transcript of Andrew Potts' keynote speech at WLIC 2021

At the 2021 World Library and Information Congress (WLIC), Andrew Potts, coordinator of the Secretariat of the Climate Heritage Network, gave the keynote speech for the Libraries Sustain thematic track of the Congress.

IFLA Statement on Afghanistan

IFLA's President Christine Mackenzie and Secretary General Gerald Leitner have issued the below statement concerning the situation in Afghanistan.

PAC Cameroon to host conference linking documentary heritage preservation with peacebuilding, with support from UNESCO’s Participation Programme

IFLA’s Preservation and Conservation (PAC) Centre hosted at the International Center for Research and Documentation on African Languages and Traditions (CERDOTOLA) will deliver an international conference on the topic, “Conservation and preservation of documentary heritage in Central Africa: pillars of reconciliation and peacebuilding”.

PAC Sri Lanka Publishes a New Report on Best Practices for the Conservation of Palm-Leaf Manuscripts

PAC Sri Lanka has published a new Report detailing best practices for the conservation of Palm-Leaf Manuscripts.

Looking Ahead: Outcomes of the 8th Session of the Conference of Parties to the Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions

The Conference of Parties to the Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions (2005 Convention) held their biannual meeting last week. IFLA attended as an observer, underlining the importance of showing culture's contribution to development, and promoting equitable access for all.

IFLA Statement on University of Cape Town Library Fire

It was with a heavy heart that IFLA heard the news of the fire that has damaged the Jagger Library at the University of Cape Town, along with other areas of the University and city, this past Sunday.

PAC Kazakhstan Facilitates International Knowledge Exchange and Professional Development

PAC Kazakhstan facilitates meetings of libraries across Central Asia to exchange knowledge in restoration and conservation of the region's documentary heritage.

PAC Centre at Qatar National Library Helps Fight against Theft and Trafficking of Documentary Heritage

The “What is Antiquities Trafficking?” webinar, presented as part of the Himaya Project Lecture Series, examined the trafficking of documentary cultural heritage in the MENA region.

”Conservation and Restoration of Manuscript and Printed Heritage” International Roundtable Discussion

Researchers and heads of libraries from Armenia, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan joined PAC Centres Russia and Kazakhstan for an online international roundtable discussion.

PAC Chile Shares Tips for Preserving Family History at Home [video]

PAC Chile Shares Tips for Preserving Family History at Home [video]

IFLA’s Preservation and Conservation (PAC) Centres Facilitate Training, Collaboration, and Awareness-Raising Despite the Global Pandemic

IFLA’s PAC Centres continue their mission: putting a spotlight on preservation and conservation, bringing professionals together across borders, and enabling trainings and collaboration opportunities – all by digital means.

International Online Meeting: “Familiarisation with the activities of the PAC Centres in Kazakhstan and Russia”

The IFLA Preservation and Conservation (PAC) Centres in Kazakhstan and Russia hosted an online event to exchange experience and share updates on their activities.

National Library of Chile celebrates Día del Patrimonio Cultural at Home

Cultural and memory institutions across Chile, including multiple libraries, celebrated "Día del Patrimonio Cultural en Casa" (National Cultural Heritage Day at Home) with opportunities to engage with collections online.

UNESCO Calls for Continued Support for Preservation and Access to Documentary Heritage in Response to COVID-19

UNESCO’s statement, "Turning the threat of COVID-19 into an opportunity for greater support to documentary heritage", co-signed by IFLA, stresses the importance of continued support for preservation and access to documentary heritage.

Share Your Thoughts and Ideas on the IFLA/UNESCO/ Public Library Manifesto

The IFLA/ UNESCO Public Library Manifesto has been an important achievement since it was first ratified in 1994. Share your input, feedback and ideas as we review the Manifesto to ensure it remains a relevant tool that reflects the missions of public libraries today.