News from IFLA https://www.ifla.org/news/7407 en Now available: summary of UN Secretary-General’s High-level Panel Report on Digital Cooperation https://www.ifla.org/node/92293 <div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p class="intro"> The digital age is changing the way libraries work – transforming their collections, facilitating sharing of works, allowing them to offer completely new types of services, and more. That is why the way the internet and digital technology are governed concerns libraries – the current and emerging rules and practices will affect their everyday work. </p> <p> In 2018, the UN Secretary-General launched a High-level Panel on Digital Cooperation – the first UN digital governance initiative of this scale. Following extensive multistakeholder consultations, the Panel issued a report in June 2019 outlining key issues and setting out recommendations on how to leverage global cooperation towards a more inclusive digital future. </p> <h3> Several messages and recommendations the report puts forward are directly relevant for libraries:<br /></h3> <ul><li> <em>Meaningful access to digital infrastructure for marginalized populations is paramount. </em>Many libraries offer internet access services to their users, often in areas with low internet penetration or high costs of connectivity. This function is especially important in light of the report’s recommendation. Each library can reflect on whether there are any further initiatives it could take to help marginalised communities in its area get online. </li> <li> <em>An idea of pooling together digital public goods – digital technologies and content freely available for people to use or adapt – is proposed.</em> In the multistakeholder discussions that will follow, libraries can lend their expertise in information organisation and access, in order to ensure that tools are usable. </li> <li> <em>Education systems will need to adapt to prepare people for living and working in the digital age.</em> These changes include teaching information literacy and soft skills, wider use of informal instruction and enabling lifelong learning. Libraries can take a proactive role and expand their educational initiatives to include these recommendations. This would help them position themselves as major partners in the changing education systems. </li> <li> <em>All participants of multistakeholder consultations on internet governance are invited to define their guiding values to develop a shared vision.</em> This offers libraries an opportunity to get involved and promote the values they stand for – public access, intellectual freedom, equality and lifelong learning. </li> </ul><p>   </p> <p> <strong>See the full summary of the report and its recommendations, highlighting points of particular interest for libraries: </strong> </p> <p> [<a href="/files/assets/hq/topics/info-society/documents/un_the_age_of_digital_interdependence_report_summary.pdf">English – PDF</a>] </p> <p class="important"> You can read the <a href="/files/assets/hq/topics/info-society/documents/ifla-final-submission-high-level-panel.pdf" target="_blank">IFLA contribution </a>to the UN High Level Panel on Digital Cooperation. You can also view the <a href="/files/assets/hq/topics/info-society/documents/un_sgs_high-level_panel_on_digital_cooperation_1.pdf" target="_blank">sumbission</a> made by the Partnership for Public Access, to which IFLA contributed. </p> <p>   </p> </div></div></div> Wed, 17 Jul 2019 11:58:47 +0000 Valensiya Dresvyannikova 92293 at https://www.ifla.org IFLA at EuroDIG 2019 https://www.ifla.org/node/92235 <div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p class="intro"> The 2019 edition of the <a href="https://www.eurodig.org/index.php?id=76" target="_blank">European Dialogue on Internet Governance (EuroDIG)</a> took place in The Hague from 19-21 June. </p> <p> This year, IFLA was involved in organising a panel on the European Copyright Reform (a video recording of the session will be published on the <a href="http://eurodigwiki.org/wiki/The_European_Copyright_Reform_%E2%80%93_what_just_happened,_what%E2%80%99s_next,_and_what_does_it_mean_for_the_Internet%3F_%E2%80%93_PL_06_2019" target="_blank">EuroDIG2019 wiki</a>), and attended sessions on a broad range of subjects in order to take stock of the latest developments in the field of internet policies. Below are the key takeaways for the library field: </p> <p> <strong>Artificial Intelligence will play an increasingly large role in internet governance</strong>. AI will take on a growing number of tasks - from network operation, to routers using AI technology, to the filtering of online content. This will have an effect on libraries as physical points of access to the internet, as well as on broader matters of freedom of speech, freedom of expression, and access to information. </p> <p> <strong>Digital literacy needs are evolving:</strong> new skills are needed in order to avoid online harms, participate in public debate  on the regulation of new technologies, find work or understand where automated decision-making is being used, and its impact. </p> <p> In several discussions, media literacy, news literacy, data literacy and algorithmic literacy were suggested as necessary complements to basic digital literacy. </p> <p> As new and interactive methods of teaching these skills are developed (for instance, the "<a href="https://unbias.wp.horizon.ac.uk/2018/09/06/unbias-fairness-toolkit/" target="_blank">Unbias Fairness Toolkit</a>"), libraries can combine them with their traditional expertise on assessing the quality of data and information to offer comprehensive and sophisticated literacy programmes. </p> <p> <strong>The Digital Divide remains:</strong> Even though the conversation on access to information has largely shifted towards advanced literacy and media content, several stakeholders pointed out the slow progress in reducing inequalities in physical internet access. </p> <p> As long as these remain, the role of libraries as public and affordable points of access is important. </p> <p> <strong>The shape of internet governance is rapidly changing</strong>. The current non-binding multistakeholder model of internet governance, which leaves a lot of space for self-regulation is being challenged. Governments seem to want to play a growing role, which may mean more binding rules. </p> <p> As the situation develops, IFLA will support its members to participate in these discussions at the national level in order to express the needs, values and possible contributions of libraries. </p> <p> For more information on recent and upcoming events in the field of internet governance, please visit the <a href="http://www.intgovforum.org/cms/" target="_blank">Internet Governance Forum website</a>. </p> </div></div></div> Tue, 25 Jun 2019 00:16:27 +0000 Valensiya Dresvyannikova 92235 at https://www.ifla.org Placing Libraries at the Heart of Connectivity Strategies https://www.ifla.org/node/92208 <div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p class="intro"> IFLA has submitted comments on two sets of plans to boost internet access in Africa, underlining the importance of including libraries. By doing this, governments not only support affordable internet access, but open up possibilities to develop digital skills and give people a safe place to get online.   </p> <p> Public internet access in libraries plays an important part in any broader digital strategy. As well as providing a place where people who need to can get online at no cost, they are key centres for developing the skills, knowledge and confidence to make the most of the internet. </p> <p> They can also complement home access, especially for those who do not have access to the right devices, who do not feel confident, or who simply prefer to go online in company. </p> <p> Both in countries which already have high levels of connectivity, and those where only a minority are online, connecting and enabling libraries can represent an important part of efforts to achieve digital goals. </p> <p> Two recent consultations have offered an opportunity to underline this point. </p> <p> The <a href="https://ec.europa.eu/futurium/en/eu-au-digital-economy-task-force/detf_draft_report" target="_blank">European Union-Africa Digital Economy Taskforce</a>, in its draft report, places an emphasis on movement towards universal connectivity and education. It recognises that the potential of eCommerce can only be realised if more people are online and able to realise the potential of the internet. </p> <p> Meanwhile, Somalia’s <a href="http://mptt.gov.so/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Draft-National-ICT-Policy-Strategy-Somalia-V0.6.pdf" target="_blank">Information and Communications Technology Policy and Strategy</a> looks to bring online a country which currently only has 10% of its population online. It also underlines the need for universal access and skills. </p> <p> IFLA’s responses highlight the potential of libraries both as a stepping stone towards, and a complement to home access. They are a cost effective way of brining more people online quickly, reversing the deceleration in the rate of new connections. They are also ideal venues for people of all ages to come and learn about how to make the most of the internet. </p> <p class="important"> Read more in IFLA’s <a href="https://www.ifla.org/publications/node/83356" target="_blank">Public Access Policy Toolkit</a>.  </p> </div></div></div> Tue, 04 Jun 2019 07:09:21 +0000 Stephen Wyber 92208 at https://www.ifla.org Get Connected: Public Access Policy Toolkit https://www.ifla.org/node/92116 <div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p class="intro"> Connecting libraries offers a great way of bringing more people online, and providing a space where they can develop the skills and confidence necessary to get the most out of the Internet. The new Public Access Policy Toolkit looks at the different policy areas where libraries may need to advocate to make this happen. </p> <p> With barely half of the world’s population using the internet and growing concerns about the risks that exist online, the need to provide public internet access in libraries has never been higher. </p> <p> The goal of getting all libraries – and their users – online has been recognised for almost fifteen years, featuring in the WSIS Action Plan. </p> <p> Thanks to the free access they provide, in a welcoming environment with dedicated staff on hand to help, libraries have a unique potential. They ensure that people do not face financial barriers to use the internet, and can receive the support and training they need to become skilled and confident internet users. </p> <p> Yet we are far from having high-speed connectivity everywhere. </p> <p> To address this, IFLA has worked through the Dynamic Coalition on Public Access in Libraries at the Internet Governance Forum to produce a policy toolkit. This provides an overview of the different policy areas where it may be necessary for governments to act. </p> <p> The Toolkit is intended for libraries and library associations who can use the diagnostic toolkit at the beginning to decide on priorities. You can then use the key advocacy points to shape your own campaigning, and the additional links to find out more. </p> <p> Crucially, this is a living document. We look forward to ideas from you, in particular on links to other sources which can help! Please contact us if you want to share your ideas. </p> <p class="important"> <strong><a href="https://www.ifla.org/publications/node/92115" target="_blank">Read the IFLA Public Access Policy Toolkit</a></strong> </p> </div></div></div> Thu, 11 Apr 2019 13:57:09 +0000 Stephen Wyber 92116 at https://www.ifla.org Protecting Privacy in the Modern Academic Library: An Interview with Mimi Calter https://www.ifla.org/node/92094 <div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p class="intro"> A group of unviersity libraries in the United States have signed up to a new Statement on Patron Privacy and Database Access. With library resources often now accessed through third-party servers rather than on the bookshelves, it offers a set of principles for how libraries can nonetheless continue to defend the privacy of their users. </p> <p> The Statement addresses issues which are high on the agenda not only in the United States but worldwide. As we approach the 20th anniversary of IFLA's own <a href="https://www.ifla.org/publications/ifla-statement-on-libraries-and-intellectual-freedom" target="_blank">Intellectual Freedom Statement</a>, it provides important food for thought.  </p> <p> IFLA has interviewed Mimi Calter, Deupty University Librarian at Stanford, and Chair of IFLA's Academic and Research Libraries Section, to find out more about the thinking behind the Statement, and what it says. </p> <p>   </p> <p>   </p> <h3> <img alt="Mimi Calter - photo by Wayne Verderkuil" class="right" src="/files/assets/hq/topics/info-society/images/mimi_calter.jpg" style="width: 220px; height: 180px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px;" /><em>1. In a few words, what does the Statement on Patron Privacy and Database Access say?</em><br /></h3> <p> <em>The <a href="https://library.stanford.edu/using/special-policies/statement-patron-privacy-and-database-access" target="_blank">Statement on Patron Privacy and Database Access</a> grows out of general principles of protection of patron privacy that libraries have long espoused, with a focus on use of licensed databases and data services.  Libraries are trusted providers of these services, and value that role.  We commit to maintaining the same standards of privacy for our customers using databases that we have long maintained for users of physical materials. </em> </p> <p>   </p> <h3> <em>2. What prompted you and others to produce the Statement now?</em><br /></h3> <p> <em>We produced the statement now because we’ve seen a growing number of demands for data from the library, by the provider, “on behalf of the patron,” but without the patron’s knowledge or control.  In some cases, this demand has been direct, through contracts incorporating data use clauses that allow for broad capture and open-ended use of patron data and patron activity, or that are subject to change without notice.  More concerning, we’ve seen examples of existing accounts, that were created under acceptable data use policies or under no data use policy at all, being migrated to new platforms, with different data reuse terms, without notice.  We are committed to being attentive to these policies, and recognize that we must sometimes walk away from services that cannot meet our needs regarding privacy protection. </em> </p> <p>   </p> <h3> <em>3. For you, and the other people behind the statement, when is it acceptable for students’ data to be collected and used?</em><br /></h3> <p> <em>We think it is only appropriate that students’ (or other users’) data be collected and used when the individual user affirmatively permits such use.  Some users will certainly choose to share their personal data to establish accounts, to customize their experiences, to be able to save searches and the like.  But they should be making an informed choice when they to do so. </em> </p> <p>   </p> <h3> <em>4. What efforts do you take within the library to protect personal data that you hold?</em><br /></h3> <p> <em>I can only speak for our practices at Stanford, but our first concern is to minimize the amount of personal data that we hold for individual patrons.  We anonymize circulation records and interlibrary loan files once materials are returned, for example.  Where we do have patron data in our care, we treat it as higher-risk data, which is subject to stricter security treatment. </em> </p> <p>   </p> <h3> <em>5. What costs may there be to stricter privacy controls?</em><br /></h3> <p> <em>The biggest tension we see is between privacy and personalization.  We know that users value a more personalized experience, and with good reason.  As noted above we know that some users will make the choice to provide more personal data in order to achieve that.  As long as the choice is made with an understanding of the risks and with intention, it’s acceptable.  </em> </p> <p>   </p> <h3> <em>6. What level of awareness is there among students about risks to their privacy?</em><br /></h3> <p> <em>Students tend to have a very general interest in protecting their own privacy.  At Stanford, I get questions about our privacy policies that I see as a clear demonstration of student concern.  That said, I don’t believe that most students have a full understanding of the terms of database contracts and the management of rights that are negotiated there.  They trust the libraries to protect their interests, and we are stepping up to that responsibility. </em> </p> <p>   </p> <h3> <em>7. What impact do you hope the Statement will have?</em><br /></h3> <p> <em>First and foremost, we hope that the statement will help clarify our concerns and interests for database providers.  By stating clearly that we require privacy for our patrons, we hope to see an end to the more egregious types of data use clauses in our database contracts, like those that are subject to change without notice.  Where we do see such clauses, we know that we will be able to point to the statement, and the support it has from our colleagues, as a reason for finding those terms unacceptable.  At Stanford, we’ve already had several vendor interactions that have been impacted by the statement. </em> </p> <p> <em>I’ve also been pleased that the statement has led to conversations with colleagues involved with developing privacy standards.  We’ve opened a dialogue with the team developing RA21 and I’ve been pleased to learn more about the <a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1pIaEXfw9ZWnXM4p6Dd2Lri7RFWKgr7ObKLEGfUy2nck/edit" target="_blank">FIM4L</a> project. </em> </p> <p>   </p> <h3> <em>8. Do you think similar statements could be helpful elsewhere in the world?</em><br /></h3> <p> <em>First of all, I would welcome anyone who wishes to sign on to <a href="https://library.stanford.edu/using/special-policies/statement-patron-privacy-and-database-access" target="_blank">this statement</a> to do so.  We’ve created a <a href="https://forms.gle/fawJxcXGsfNGqoC56" target="_blank">form</a> for anyone who wishes to join to submit their details.  But yes, I do think that it would be beneficial for others to come forward with similar statements of principles.  It all adds to our global dialog. </em> </p> </div></div></div> Tue, 09 Apr 2019 16:40:56 +0000 Stephen Wyber 92094 at https://www.ifla.org Libraries for Human Rights: IFLA Contributes to Italian UN Human Rights Review https://www.ifla.org/node/92091 <div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p class="intro"> IFLA, working with the Italian Library Association, has provided input to the Universal Periodic Review of Italy at the Human Rights Council. The submission highlights the importance of access to information and education, as well as the rights of children, people with disabilities, refugees and migrants. </p> <p> The United Nations’ Human Rights Council has a mission to monitor and encourage the respect of human rights around the world. As well as thematic reports, it also runs ‘Universal Periodic Reviews’ (UPRs). </p> <p> These serve to look, in depth, at how countries are doing in respecting the conventions and declarations that make up human rights law. On the basis of a report, compiled based on contributions by countries, stakeholders and experts, a hearing takes place and recommendations are made. </p> <p> You can read more about the UPR process in <a href="https://blogs.ifla.org/faife/2019/01/28/what-is-the-universal-periodic-review-upr-and-why-libraries-should-get-involved/">our blog</a>. </p> <p> It will be Italy’s turn to have a review later this year. IFLA has therefore worked with the Association of Italian Libraries, to prepare a <a href="https://www.ifla.org/publications/node/92090" target="_blank">contribution</a>. Particular thanks go to Enrica Manenti, member of the IFLA Advisory Committee on Freedom of Access to Information and Freedom of Expression. </p> <p> The comments highlight the importance of the presence of libraries in all parts of the country in order to support access to information and education. </p> <p> It highlights challenges around censorship, notably the Todi case where a librarian resisted efforts to move books discussing gender ambiguity from the children’s to the adults’ section of the library. She was forced to change jobs because of her actions. </p> <p> It also underlines concern about efforts to reduce funding for organisations which help refugees and migrants, which may well hit libraries. </p> <p> At the same time, there are many positive examples of Italian libraries helping to deliver human rights through dedicated programmes and actions. </p> <p> IFLA looks forward to next steps, and will continue to engage on Universal Periodic Reviews where possible. </p> <p class="important"> Read the <a href="https://www.ifla.org/publications/node/92090" target="_blank">submission</a>. </p> </div></div></div> Fri, 05 Apr 2019 08:16:49 +0000 Stephen Wyber 92091 at https://www.ifla.org Don’t Stop Half Way: IFLA Submits Input to 2018 Review of WSIS Progress https://www.ifla.org/node/91772 <div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p class="intro"> <a href="https://www.ifla.org/publications/node/91771?og=7407" target="_blank"><img alt="First page of IFLA response to WSIS Review" class="right" src="/files/assets/hq/topics/info-society/images/wsis_report_2018_first_page.png" style="width: 220px; height: 312px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px;" /></a>IFLA has answered the UN’s call for contributions on progress towards WSIS Action Lines and Targets. This process makes connecting all libraries to the internet a key priority. IFLA’s response highlights welcome recognition of the potential of libraries, but also worrying legal trends. </p> <p> 2018 marked the point where, according to the statistics of the International Telecommunications Union, the number of internet users worldwide rose above 50% of the population. </p> <p> Public access through libraries and other community facilities has played an important part in this. </p> <p> For millions, their first experience of the internet was in a library. Many of them still rely on libraries for a number of reasons – access to a full computer terminal, a desire for anonymity, a need for support.   </p> <p> There is no reason to think this won’t be the case for the remaining 50%. </p> <p> In its <a href="https://www.ifla.org/publications/node/91771?og=7407">submission</a> to the annual review of progress towards the targets set as part of the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) process, IFLA underlined these contributions. </p> <p> With getting all public libraries connected to the Internet a clear goal in the WSIS Conclusions of 2015, there has been progress in increasing connectivity, and recognition of the potential of libraries as WiFi hotspots. </p> <p> IFLA’s own <a href="https://librarymap.ifla.org/" target="_blank">Library Map of the World</a> includes numbers of libraries with publicly available internet connections, and will offer a key indicator of trends in future. </p> <p> However, IFLA’s submission also highlights concerns about giving libraries liability for the content accessed by their users. There is also a need to address broader fears about privacy, both in the face of government and private actors. </p> <p> IFLA is currently producing a <a href="https://www.ifla.org/publications/node/83356" target="_blank">policy toolkit on public access</a> which will help libraries and library associations advocate for wider and better connectivity. </p> <p class="important"> You can download the IFLA submission from our <a href="https://www.ifla.org/publications/node/91771" target="_blank">publication page</a>. Read more about IFLA’s work on <a href="https://www.ifla.org/information-society" target="_blank">libraries and the information society</a>. </p> </div></div></div> Wed, 19 Dec 2018 08:23:35 +0000 Stephen Wyber 91772 at https://www.ifla.org Partnerships in the Public Interest: IFLA Submits Initial Comments to UN High Level Panel on Digital Cooperation https://www.ifla.org/node/91762 <div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p class="intro"> <img alt="UN Headquarters, Geneva" class="caption" src="/files/assets/hq/topics/info-society/images/20170616_103657.jpg" style="width: 440px; height: 330px;" title="UN Headquarters, Geneva" /></p> <p class="intro"> IFLA has prepared an initial response to the consultation launched by the <a href="http://www.un.org/en/digital-cooperation-panel/" target="_blank">United Nations High-Level Panel on Digital Cooperation</a>. This highlights the importance of action for access to information, and the need to involve libraries in discussions about the future of the internet. </p> <p> The development of the internet has been marked by the influence of government, businesses and civil society. Given its global nature, it has also posed challenges to traditional decision-making, given that policies made at the national level can have limited impact on a global network. </p> <p> This creates difficult questions about the best way to respond to key policy issues, such as ensuring that everyone can get online and use the internet effectively, how to respond to cybercrime, or protect copyright and user rights. </p> <p> The Internet Governance Forum has provided a valuable space to discuss such issues since 2006. IFLA has taken an <a href="https://www.ifla.org/information-society" target="_blank">active part</a> in this work, promoting the importance of public access through libraries, and showing how library values and experience can help in solving other questions.   </p> <p> Recognising the value of such discussions, as well as the need for collaboration in actions, the UN Secretary General has set up a <a href="http://www.un.org/en/digital-cooperation-panel/" target="_blank">High Level Panel on Digital Cooperation</a>. </p> <p> Led by Melinda Gates and Jack Ma, this aims to explore the types of cooperation already taking place to address key challenges on the internet, and make recommendations on what more can be done. They have launched a consultation, calling for evidence and input from all stakeholders. </p> <p> IFLA has submitted <a href="https://www.ifla.org/publications/node/91761" target="_blank">initial comments</a>, underlining the importance of partnerships for guaranteeing access to the internet, and giving people skills. </p> <p> IFLA has also noted the need to ensure that institutions already involved in delivering key policy goals such as literacy, health and innovation should be involved in discussions about the internet, given the need to ensure that access helps improve lives. </p> <p class="important"> You can read IFLA’s <a href="https://www.ifla.org/publications/node/91761" target="_blank">initial submission</a>. IFLA will be working, through the <a href="http://www.ifla.org/faife">FAIFE Committee</a>, to develop a final set of comments on the consultation in the coming weeks. Read more about IFLA's engagement with the <a href="https://www.ifla.org/information-society" target="_blank">Internet Governance Forum</a>. </p> </div></div></div> Wed, 12 Dec 2018 13:54:41 +0000 Stephen Wyber 91762 at https://www.ifla.org The 2030 Arab Librarians: Libraries and Development in the Arabic-Speaking World https://www.ifla.org/node/91693 <div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p class="intro"> As part of our International Advocacy Programme, IFLA supported a project led by the Arab Federation for Libraries and Information (AFLI) to develop and deliver an online course on libraries and the SDGs. </p> <p> <a href="https://www.ifla.org/files/assets/alp/IAP/2030_arab_librarians.pdf" target="_blank"><img alt="Front Cover of 2030 Arab Librarians Final Report" class="right" src="/files/assets/alp/IAP/images/2030_arab_librarians_cover.png" style="width: 220px; height: 297px;" /></a>​The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals provide an affirmation of the role of libraries in providing access to information. </p> <p> They are also an opportunity to get onto the policy agenda. Libraries benefit when decision-makers understand the power of information, and the work of libraries in ensuring that all can benefit, leading to better results in education, health, innovation, and across the board. </p> <p> Following IFLA’s call for projects to receive support, the Arab Federation for Libraries and Information proposed an exciting aiming to raise awareness and build capacity on an international scale. </p> <p> The project is now complete, and the report is now available. </p> <p>   </p> <p> <strong>How it Worked </strong> </p> <p> The programme combined both digital and physical elements. First of all, 31 participants from 11 different countries were accepted onto an eLearning course. </p> <p> Materials were produced, as well as adapted and translated from other sources, in order to provide complete and relevant content. Participants learnt about the fundamentals of advocacy, the UN Sustainable Development Goals, and reflected on the situations in their own countries. </p> <p> Special forum sessions allowed for open discussion, and the development of workbooks and action plans. There were also two expert webinars, sharing ideas from key figures in the Arab library field. </p> <p> Finally, 11 participants took part in a workshop on 28-29 July in Egypt, learning about story-telling, impact assessment, and how to develop plans to deliver on the SDGs. In turn, they shared their own expertise about projects in their home libraries, so that others could learn.   </p> <p>   </p> <p> <strong>Impacts</strong> </p> <p> The organisers took care to survey levels of knowledge around the SDGs, and attitudes to library advocacy before and after the event. </p> <p> There was a major increase in awareness of the SDGs, as well as a greater sense of the role that libraries and library associations can play. The materials from the course are available online for others to use, allowing the work done to benefit others. </p> <p> Demonstrating the impact of the practical advice given during the course, the programme also led to a series of initiatives across the region for seminars, training courses, collaborations, and support for both sustainability and the unemployed.   </p> <p> While not everything went to plan, there have also been valuable lessons in how to train and share knowledge, which will also put the library field in the Arab world on a stronger footing in years to come. </p> <p class="important"> Download the full report as a <a href="/files/assets/alp/IAP/2030_arab_librarians.pdf" target="_blank">pdf</a>. </p> </div></div></div> Wed, 21 Nov 2018 17:29:36 +0000 Stephen Wyber 91693 at https://www.ifla.org IFLA at the Internet Governance Forum 2018: Libraries Central to Building a Trusted Internet https://www.ifla.org/node/91681 <div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p class="intro"> The need to preserve the benefits of an open internet while finding means to address concerns about the way it works was high on the agenda at the 13<sup>th</sup> Internet Governance Forum, held in Paris from 12-14 November. IFLA was active, underlining how libraries do not only bring connectivity and training, but also essential values and skills to the discussion. </p> <p> <img alt="DC PAL panel at IGF 2018" class="caption" src="/files/assets/hq/topics/info-society/images/dcpal1.png" style="width: 440px; height: 288px;" title="Panel for the Dynamic Coalition on Public Access in Libraries Panel (l-r Valeria Betancourt (APC), Maia Simonishvili (National Parliamentary Library of Georgia, IFLA), Esmeralda Moscatelli (IFLA), Don Means (Gigabit Libraries Network). Not shown: Peter Micek (Access Now), Leandro Navarro (Pangea), Roger Baig (guifi.net))" />The Internet Governance Forum offers an opportunity for all stakeholders involved in the way the internet works – governments, business, civil society – to identify opportunities and challenges, and how these can be tackled. Libraries have a major interest in an open and affordable internet, to which everyone has access. Esmeralda Moscatelli and Stephen Wyber from IFLA Headquarters attended, alongside Maia Simonishvili from the National Parliamentary Library of Georgia. </p> <h2> An Internet for People<br /></h2> <p> French President Emmanuel Macron set the tone on the first day, underlining the sense of concern that just as a state-controlled internet was not desirable, neither too was one purely controlled by the private sector. </p> <p> At a <a href="https://www.ifla.org/node/91675" target="_blank">side event</a> organised by IFLA, alongside the Internet Society, Facebook, and Libraries without Borders, the President of the National Library of France, Laurence Engel, underlined this point. Public institutions needed to do online what they do offline – act where necessary to promote the public good – while promoting liberty online. </p> <p> The need for a third way between state control and the dominance of big companies was clear in the <a href="https://www.intgovforum.org/multilingual/content/igf-2018-dc-public-access-in-libraries-a-policy-toolkit-for-public-access" target="_blank">meeting</a> of the Dynamic Coalition on Public Access in Libraries. Indeed, this approach needed to focus on the bottom-up, reflecting the needs and preferences of local communities as to whether, and how, to connect.   </p> <h2> The Role of Libraries<br /></h2> <p> Libraries, as accessible, community-based institutions with an experience of information management and a public service mission, were a logical partner. Speakers from other NGOs, as well as technical experts, underlined the power of this combination of factors. </p> <p> Libraries were well placed to help communities to get into action. They could offer solutions to practical problems, a space for coordination between community members, leadership in new initiatives, and training in how to take advantage of new possibilities. </p> <p> As Maia Simonishvili underlined, drawing on her own experience from Georgia, by becoming hubs for internet engagement, libraries had gone from being seen as out of date to taking on a more important role than ever in their communities. </p> <p> <img alt="Maia Simonishvili speaking at DC PAL session" class="caption" src="/files/assets/hq/topics/info-society/images/dcpal2.png" style="width: 440px; height: 279px;" title="Maia Simonishvili (National Parliamentary Library of Georgia) speaking at DC PAL session" /></p> <h2> Policies for Public Access<br /></h2> <p> The open session of the Dynamic Coalition on Public Access in Libraries (DC-PAL) – a group of NGOs and experts interested in delivering the potential of libraries as internet access points – focused on the policies necessary to make public access work. </p> <p> Interventions focused on questions around finance, connectivity, law, regulation and education, and will feed in to the Toolkit on Public Access which IFLA has led on behalf of DC-PAL. This is currently out for consultation until mid-December. </p> <p> Early next year, this toolkit will be published as a support to library associations worldwide in their advocacy around public access. </p> <p class="important"> Find out more about how to <a href="https://www.ifla.org/publications/node/59309" target="_blank">get involved in the IGF</a>, and comment on the <a href="https://www.ifla.org/publications/node/83356" target="_blank">draft toolkit</a>. </p> </div></div></div> Thu, 15 Nov 2018 09:10:53 +0000 Stephen Wyber 91681 at https://www.ifla.org
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