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IFLA participated in the 2017 Internet Governance Forum (IGF), held in Geneva. The IGF is a global multi stakeholder platform that facilitates the discussion of public policy issues pertaining to the Internet. It is, in fact, a venue for exploring questions around the role of the Internet and our digital future in an inclusive and democratic manner. The theme of the 2017 edition was “Shape your Digital Future”.
When the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) set out principles for how the Internet should be run in 2003, the governments present fixed the target of connecting public libraries. When these targets were updated in 2010, governments underlined – all libraries should be connected to the Internet, in order to support a Web that works for all. IFLA's contribution to WSIS annual reporting reflects on progress made in 2017, and to be made in 2018.
Libraries have long helped users to develop their capacity to spot where information is needed, and then to find it and apply it. A recently published research report from the European Parliament underlines how vital this role is in an Internet-enabled society.
Cultural rights have long been recognised as a pillar of human rights, and women's cultural rights are no exception. A new paper from IFLA brings together lessons from a satellite meeting at last year's WLIC to show how libraries are working to defend these.
IFLA will be attending this year’s annual Internet Governance Forum – the 12th edition – in Geneva, Switzerland. This is an important opportunity both to make the case for an Internet that works for libraries, but also to show how libraries can build a better Internet.
IFLA Secretary General Gerald Leitner today wrote to IFLA members to mark the start of the 70th anniversary year of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
Libraries are unique partners for development. By providing access to information, in a safe and welcoming environment with tailored support, they empower individuals and communities to create, innovate and take better decisions. IFLA President Glòria Pérez-Salmerón and Secretary-General Gerald Leitner took this message to the World Bank last week, making the case for access to information as a key element of broader development policies, and for libraries as essential actors in achieving this.
Media and information literacy (MIL) plays a key role in giving people the ability to find, understand, evaluate and create information. Libraries have a long expertise in helping users of all ages, in all situations do this, in order to create, innovate, and improve their lives. IFLA attended this year’s Global MIL Week feature conference in Jamaica in order to underline this point in front of an international audience.
Once again, IFLA wishes to join the celebration for open access week. This year, we have gathered materials of some of the presentations about open access that took place during the World Library and Information Congress in August 2017 in Wroclaw, Poland. By approaching the topic from many different angles, they are an example of how libraries support open access and provide input on how to continue doing so.
Mental health difficulties affect, or will affect, a major share of the population. While they may not be visible to the eye, their effects can be devastating. In order to promote well-being for all, societies need to support those suffering from mental health difficulties. Libraries can play a significant role in achieving this.
At a time of concern about the future of the Internet, there has never been a greater need both for information literacy, and for librarians as information literacy specialists. Speaking at the European Conference on Information Literacy, IFLA underlined the importance of what libraries are doing, and the need to ensure key decision-makers understand this.
Open Government includes practices that redraw the relationship between public officials and citizens so that both can benefit. IFLA, in its response to an OECD consultation, took the opportunity to reiterate the important role libraries play in the field. Libraries also have worked increasingly to create digital collections in order to maximize access, and make collections available to the public.
The Internet provides opportunities for finding, sharing and creating knowledge that were unimaginable a generation ago. It allows for more effective delivery of the human right of access to information than ever before, as well as letting families, friends, colleagues and research collaborators connect.
The Internet provides opportunities for finding, sharing and creating knowledge that were unimaginable a generation ago. It allows for more effective delivery of the human right of access to information than ever before, as well as letting families, friends, colleagues and research collaborators connect.
Freedom of Access to Information and Freedom of Expression (FAIFE) Advisory Committee at IFLA raises awareness of the essential correlation between the library concept and the values of intellectual freedom. FAIFE's events at the World Library and Information Congress are listed below. If you cannot attend the conference, live stream the events to be a part of one of the biggest annual international library and information event.
The 10th Latin America and Caribbean Internet Governance Forum (LACIGF) took place in Panama City, on 2-4 August. LACIGF provides a space for multi-sectoral dialogue on the Internet Governance agenda for the region. IFLA was represented, highlighting how libraries can help tackle key issues facing the Internet today, from cost of access to educating Internet users about how to spot fake news.
As highlighted in the Development and Access to Information Report 2017, produced by IFLA in partnership with the Technology and Social Change Group at the University of Washington, for access to information to be meaningful, people need skills and the right conditions. Libraries can play a unique role in delivering both, as highlighted in IFLA's submission to the latest call for examples on Connecting and Enabling the Next Billion.
For information to play a full role in helping people to learn, find work and live healthily, simply laying cables may not be enough. The way in which access to knowledge is provided strongly affects the impact it has in communities, especially those facing the toughest development challenges. At the Asia-Pacific regional Internet Governance Forum, IFLA set out how libraries can help.
This year’s European Digital Assembly took place in Malta, bringing together representatives of the EU, national governments, business and civil society. It focused on the opportunities and challenges raised by the development of the digital economy, and how policy makers should respond. Libraries have a clear role in ensuring that the Internet develops in a way that benefits everyone.