April 2024 — Vol. 4, No. 4
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THE INTERNET WE WANT ISSUE |
Welcome to the April 2024 edition of the IFLA newsletter!
This month is all about shaping the Internet we want.
For many people around the world, the internet is synonymous with information, with connections to friends and family, and with employment, education, and leisure. The Internet has grown explosively since its launch in 1983, and for all the opportunities it has offered, so too has it raised serious questions about safety, security, equality, and rights.
Who is responsible for determining the rules, policies, standards and practices that shape how the internet is used?
IFLA argues that library and information professionals have a vital role in shaping and achieving an internet for all—one that keeps people at its centre.
Happy reading! 🛜 |
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In the field |
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April was a busy month, with IFLA's Governing Board coming together in The Hague on 15-17 March for a busy programme. Members and volunteers received an update soon after the meeting closed, highlighting key discussions and progress made on the priorities set out in IFLA President Vicki McDonald's first speech of her term in August 2023.
A busy Governing Board meeting was followed by a busy series of other calls, with meetings with library leaders in the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, the UN institutions in Geneva, and Paris. She also took part in the launch celebrations for Strasbourg World Book Capital 2024, visiting the André Malraux Médiathèque, and met the newly appointed head of the Bibliothèque nationale de France.
Vicki also took part, alongside IFLA Secretary General Sharon Memis, in our first series of townhall meetings (recordings available). Sharon in turn will be taking part in meetings with libraries in Quebec this week, as well as a conversation session with IFLA President-elect and Librarian and Archivist of Canada, Leslie Weir.
These meetings are a great opportunity to better understand what the library field values and needs from IFLA and to discuss plans for a transparent, effective, inclusive and sustainable IFLA going forward. |
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Influencing impact: IFLA Trend Report Update 2023 explores what shapes libraries' ability to shape development |
The 2023 edition of the IFLA Trend Report highlights both potential blockers to libraries' impact on sustainable development, why it matters to find solutions, and what we can practically do to overcome them! |
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Australia Highlight 🌏 Great Barrier Reef |
We know many of you will be thinking about how to make the most of your time in Australia and what else you can see that will leave you with lifelong memories
The Great Barrier Reef, pictured above with our IIFS logo, is one of the seven natural wonders of the world and is a dazzling underwater playground teeming with life. Stretching over 2,300 kilometers along the coast of Queensland, this UNESCO World Heritage site is home to an extraordinary array of marine life, including colourful coral gardens, majestic sea turtles, and playful dolphins.
Dive beneath the surface to explore vibrant coral reefs, swim alongside gentle giants like whale sharks and manta rays, or simply soak up the sun on a secluded island paradise. With its breathtaking beauty and unparalleled biodiversity, the Great Barrier Reef offers an unforgettable adventure for nature lovers and adventurers alike. |
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IIFS Programme launched |
We're thrilled to announce that the IFLA Information Futures Summit (IIFS) programme is now available for viewing on the IIFS website!
Dive into the lineup of engaging sessions and plan your agenda to make the most of this collaborative event. Explore the programme today to discover the wealth of insights and discussions awaiting you at the Summit! |
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Read Brisbane |
Curious to learn more about Brisbane and its captivating stories?
Here are a few titles to ignite your exploration. Feel free to share your reading adventures on social media using the hashtags #IFLAREADBrisbane & #READBrisbane. If you have any other recommendations, we're all ears! |
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Win WLIC Tickets at IIFS! |
Register for the IFLA Information Futures Summit (IIFS) by 15 May 2024, for a chance to win a free registration to the next IFLA World Library and Information Congress (WLIC).
All paid registrations will be automatically entered into our special Summit drawing for a chance to be selected as one of five lucky winners to our next Congress! |
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The Internet and AI |
Artificial intelligence (AI) may be ushering in a golden age of knowledge access. The power of AI in treating text, music, and images as data and identifying patterns in them promises novel types of deep search. Services such as suggestion, personalisation of information, and translation are developing to make knowledge more accessible to all.
The ability of generative AI to summarise and synthesise data is evolving, making it easier to use and create information. Read more about how the AI SIG supports learning about information access and AI. |
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Mid-term meetings in the Regions: IFLA Management and Marketing Section in Lima, Peru |
In addition to the role the internet can play in facilitating service provision, we shouldn't overlook the possibilities it creates for us to work together. But it's not as simple as plugging in a laptop and connecting it to the Wi-Fi. If you're thinking about a hybrid event, here are some tips from the IFLA Management and Marketing (M&M) Section's experience of their recent mid-term meeting in Lima, Peru! |
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The Internet library publishing wants |
The Internet is crucial for library publishing as it facilitates the dissemination and preservation of scholarly works via open-access platforms. It also encourages community building and networking within the Library Publishing Community, as exemplified by initiatives such as the IFLA Library Publishing SIG's Global Library Publishing Map.
The Internet we want empowers library publishers to expand their reach and uphold global knowledge dissemination. |
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Out Now: March 2024 issue of IFLA Journal! |
The March 2024 issue of IFLA Journal features articles derived from conference papers presented at BOBCATSSS 2023 through an editorial process that strove to mentor early career researchers through the writing and peer review process. Covering a wide range of topics related to libraries, information science, and accessibility, the articles provide valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities facing libraries in the 21st century. |
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New city! Who would live on this sand? 🏛️ |
The IFLA Local History and Genealogy Section explores the Internet as an access point for cultural heritage through a project to digitise cultural heritage artefacts at the Serbian National Library. |
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The stuff the Internet is made from: Conceptual models |
How can information on the internet be categorised, related and interpreted? We've all had experiences searching and getting results that are not what we were thinking, such as searching for feline jaguars and getting motor vehicles or a sports team. If only we could get across what kind of thing we're looking for, this noise could be reduced. Read more about how the IFLA LRM (Library Reference Model) and the jointly-developed LRMoo (Library Reference Model Object Identifier) make for successful searching. |
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Launch of 'Everywhere All the Time' – a digital literacy intervention that fosters critical conversations about technology and AI |
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As more people depend on the internet, it's essential to foster their ability to question technology's impact on their lives and environment.
The playful digital literacy initiative "Everywhere, All the Time" aims to empower adults and youth to confidently navigate the digital world.
Library engagement in these types of initiatives is instrumental in addressing the digital divide and shaping policies that promote digital inclusion, well-being and responsible Internet usage among people and youth. |
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Zero draft of a new IFLA Internet Manifesto is on its way! |
Thank you to everyone who participated and gave feedback on the open working draft as well as the previous open consultation sessions. If you were a contributor, we may contact you in the coming weeks to ensure that your feedback is properly included in the text.
Would you like to organise a topical session with our assistance in the coming months? Register via the link below and we will contact you! |
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Who is funding library projects? New open data resource |
In addition to core funding received from host institutions, governments or others, libraries represent great partners for others who share our commitment to supporting sustainable development.
The results of a project made possible by Stichting IFLA Global Libraries and carried out by The Doyenne Project, give an idea of who has a track-record of supporting libraries among private donors and public development agencies |
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A common goal, a common language: IFLA Open Access vocabularies publication |
IFLA's Open Science and Scholarship Advisory Committee is happy to share its Open Access vocabulary, which brings together the most widely used terms and definitions. This is intended to act as a reference guide, providing a route for more librarians into advancing openness. |
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Share your views on IFLA's draft Strategy 2024-2029! |
This year, IFLA will finalise its next strategy. Following five surveys of our members and volunteers, we're now proud to share a first full draft, as approved for sharing by the Governing Board. Now it's over to you – let us know what you think by 11 June! |
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Are you a librarian, educator, or policymaker interested in digital literacy? |
Join our MOOC and explore the intersection of technology and education and learn strategies to promote responsible digital citizenship!
Registrations are currently OPEN.
Starting date: 6 May |
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Future of UNIMARC |
The IFLA PUC (Permanent UNIMARC Committee) has launched its "Future of UNIMARC" survey. You are invited to share your needs, ideas, projects and challenges in transforming library metadata. |
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European library associations release manifesto for European Parliament Elections 2024 |
The EU's libraries are a huge asset, ready and able to deliver equity, democracy, innovation, preservation, and development.
Jointly produced by the European Bureau of Library, Information and Documentation Associations (EBLIDA), the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA), the Association of European Research Libraries (LIBER), Public Libraries 2030 (PL2030) and National Authorities on Public Libraries in Europe (NAPLE Forum), this manifesto is built around the key ways in which libraries contribute. See how the next European Parliament can help make this happen! |
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Post-Pandemic Perceptions |
While we have been fortunate to be able to put the restrictions associated with the COVID-19 Pandemic behind us, not all is the same as before. IFLA's Regional Council, which brings together representatives of each world region, has produced a new report which looks in particular at the way governments, communities and libraries themselves saw libraries before the Pandemic and now. |
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Library Associations in the MENA Region |
In its attempts to establish contacts with the library community in the region the IFLA Middle East and North Africa (MENA) Regional Division Committee has compiled a list of information on library associations in the regions. The compiled list revealed many challenges. Understanding and addressing these challenges are needed to achieve MENA RDC's goals to support libraries and librarians serving communities across borders. |
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Is your city a future World Book Capital? |
UNESCO has opened the call for candidates to be World Book Capital City from 23 April 2026. IFLA warmly encourages libraries to engage with city authorities to explore submitting bids that celebrate and strengthen the contribution of books and reading to urban development. |
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NEW MEMBERS |
IFLA warmly welcomes the following new members:
Central Secretariat Library – India Ethiopian Parliament Library – Ethiopia ONG AGFD – Guinea Universitätsbibliothek Paderborn – Germany
We look forward to your engagement and involvement! |
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SOCIAL SPOTLIGHTWant to get featured here? Don't forget to use the #IFLA hashtag! |
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