True Confessions of an IFLA Officer

When I became my library’s delegate to IFLA, I was not sure how involved to be and whether to be an officer. A colleague encouraged me to engage in our section, Genealogy and Local History. When elections came, I volunteered then served as a section officer from 2007-2013. I currently serve on the IFLA Professional Committee for 2013-2015.

Opportunities

Section leaders—chairs, secretaries, and information coordinators—help with strategy and direction. They see that the section accomplishes its goals. Sections can assist with IFLA’s Strategic Programmes as well.

Sections are the focus for IFLA’s work. The sections manage projects and programmes which are an essential part of the Federation. Section Officers play a key role in the success of these efforts. Standing Committee Members can influence the activities in a section, but the section officers provide stronger direction.

Responsibilities

As a Section Officer, I appreciated meeting with the Division Leaders. They provided guidance and instruction, helped me coordinate with other sections. Division Chairs were my interface with the IFLA Governing Board. They helped me understand the direction of the Governing Board. As an officer, I worked with many wonderful people over the years.

Division Chairs and other members of the Professional Committee support the units—sections and special interest groups. The Professional Committee oversees all projects, publications, and manages the professional structure. Committee members also serve on the IFLA Governing Board which creates a wonderful bridge between the sections and Federation leaders. Division Chairs represent the Governing Board to their sections. Division Chairs represent their sections to the Governing Board.

Rewards

I filled a vacancy for the Division Chair of Library Collections in the 2011-2013 term and became involved on the Professional Committee in an unexpected way. I am very glad that I took that opportunity.

Serving in a position for IFLA influences libraries around the world and all of the persons they serve. If you have wondered about serving as an IFLA Officer I would definitely recommend it. Serving as an officer takes time, thought, and work. If you can, I encourage you to run for an office. You will have rewarding experiences and meet terrific people. It is well worth your time and effort!