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IFLA 24 Hours of Global IT: Guidelines for AI in Parliaments

Guidelines for AI in Parliaments presentation by Dr Fotis Fitsilis

Library Services Assessment Workshops in Amman, Jordan

The International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) recently conducted two in-person workshops hosted by the Al-Hassan Library at Princess Sumaya University for Technology. The workshops were led by Mr. Walid Al-Badi, Director of the Oman Council Library and an internationally accredited IFLA trainer, alongside Dr. Saif Al-Jabri, Chair of the IFLA MENA Regional Development Committee.

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IFLA 24 hours of Global IT: A cross-sector conversation of Division B units on Artificial Intelligence

The IFLA Division B units' contribution to the IFLA 24 Hours of Global IT event

IFLA PARL 2024 Annual Conference: Presentations' proposals and (short) deadline extension

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.

Now Available: IFLA Asia and Oceania Regional Newsletter, August 2024

The July 2024 IFLA Asia and Oceania Regional Division Newsletter includes editorials from the Chair of the Asia-Oceania Regional Division Committee, the Manager of the Regional Office for Asia and Oceania, and news from IFLA, the region and beyond. This covers work in Australia, China, Malaysia, Philippines, Republic of Korea, Singapore and Sri Lanka.

Indigenous Matters at MEXINFO

Last week members of IFLA's Indigenous Matters Section were met with many IFLA colleagues at the Mexican Global Information Forum in Mexico City. This forum was the result of hard work and collaboration between eight IFLA Committees and covered an incredible range of topics, including artificial intelligence, censorship, colonialism, LGBTQIA+ representation, knowledge stewardship and community trust building. The topics covered could not have been more timely and relevant, and the entire event was incredibly thought-provoking.

Licenses and Copyright: Protection and Managing Digital Content

es. La ponencia "Licencias y Derechos de Autor: Protección y Gestión de Contenidos Digitales" explora cómo los derechos de autor y diferentes tipos de licencias ayudan a proteger y gestionar contenidos digitales. Se discuten ejemplos prácticos de aplicación efectiva de estas herramientas legales en diversos entornos digitales. La presentación enfatiza la importancia de mantener prácticas de licenciamiento actualizadas ante los avances tecnológicos y sugiere la necesidad de adaptaciones legales para mejorar la protección de contenidos digitales. en. The presentation "Licenses and Copyright: Protection and Management of Digital Content" explores how copyright laws and different types of licenses help protect and manage digital content. It discusses practical examples of effective application of these legal tools across various digital environments. The presentation emphasizes the importance of keeping licensing practices up to date in the face of technological advancements and suggests the need for legal adaptations to enhance the protection of digital content.

Can Artificial Intelligence lead us to a smarter ILL future or other library services? – Video Recording

Recent technological developments have revolutionized the field of librarianship, as in every other field. Studies show that artificial intelligence can improve many library services such as reference services, document distribution and resource sharing, bookshelves and shelf reading, cataloging, and metadata creation. In this webinar will also discuss personalized recommendations for library users based on their research habits and interests and all applications of AI in library complex service areas.

Using Digital Scholarship to Advance the Sustainable Development Goals – How Can Libraries Contribute?

China Accelerates the Digitisation of Ancient Books as a Part of a Smart Library System

China has placed great importance on the digitisation of ancient books and is using advanced technology to accelerate the construction of a smart library system. This has become an important part of the national "14th Five Year Plan", with increased funding from both central and local governments to support it. In April 2022, China issued the "Opinions on Promoting the Work of Ancient Books in the New Era", which called for advancing the digitisation of ancient books.

Introducing support for the Indigenous North Sámi language at the National Library of Finland

Better addressing linguistic and cultural diversity in national library infrastructures can have a wide impact on society. Our infrastructures and services cater to many users, both individuals and organizations, extending beyond the library and cultural heritage sector. Here, the National Library of Finland shares experiences from newly initiated support for the Indigenous North Sámi language in some of its core services.

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).

The Marketing Strategy of the Seoul Library to Attract Users despite a Continuous Decline in Patrons: Seoul Outdoor Library (SOL)

The Seoul Library initiated the 'SOL' project, a 'Building-less Library' that extends the concept of library spaces beyond traditional buildings to the outside. The SOL is a project aimed at expanding the three core elements of a library — 'books', 'buildings', and 'librarians' — to 'contents', 'space', and 'staff’; leveraging the advantages of outdoor spaces to provide various services that allow users to enjoy a variety of library content. It has evolved from a space focused on reading and discussion to one centered on interaction and experience.

PH Grants Additional Budget to Support Development of Philippine Public Libraries

The year 2023 was considered a milestone for Philippine Public Libraries as The Philippines Government, through the initiatives of the Office of Senator Juan Edgardo "Sonny" Manalang Angara, granted additional funding to augment the current budget of the NLP for its Public Library Development and Support Program (Library Extension Program). From a 3-year average budget of Php8,970,000.00 (~USD154,000.00) in CY2020 - 2022, it was increased to Php25,976,000.00 (~USD444,692), a considerable 289.59% leap from the last three years.

Three (and a Half) Strategies to help Academic Libraries achieve Student Success

Student success is one of the most critical drivers of the value of academic libraries, no matter the discipline or specialisation. With an ever-changing technological and pedagogical landscape, librarians are constantly challenged to innovate and redefine their roles. In this post, academic librarians from the National University of Singapore Libraries unlock major insights into strategies that promote student success, and the importance of co-creation and interdisciplinarity needed to thrive and transform in this evolving library landscape.

Widening Access to Resources using Indices in times of Financial Crisis – Sharing an Experience from Sri Lanka

University libraries in Sri Lanka have adopted simple yet cost-effective tools to organise and index their resources, thereby improving user access and understanding.

Punggol Regional Library Hosts United Nations General Assembly President

Singapore’s Punggol Regional Library welcomed His Excellency Dennis Francis, President of the 78th Session of the United Nations General Assembly. His visit focused on initiatives and efforts to promote digital inclusion.

2nd Executive Board Meeting for CONSAL XIX

Malaysia has been given the opportunity to host the 19th Congress of Southeast Asian Librarians General Conference and Meeting (CONSAL XIX) in 2025. In preparation for CONSAL XIX, the Executive Board of CONSAL had their second meeting, held in a hybrid mode, on 15 July 2024. Most members from Malaysia were present physically at the National Library of Malaysia and regional participants attended virtually.