Jan 2022 — Vol. 2, No. 1
View in your browser → |
 |
THE HEALTH ISSUE |
|
Welcome to the first IFLA Newsletter of 2022! I wanted therefore to start by wishing you all a very happy, healthy New Year.
Health is of course something we should value highly, especially now. We continue to live with the consequences of a very real health crisis – the COVID-19 pandemic – leaving a trail of suffering, disruption and uncertainty.
While it can hardly be called a positive, the pandemic has at least made it clearer than ever that health is, to a major extent, an information issue. This edition of the newsletter therefore has a focus on health, and work underway to realise the potential of libraries to support health and wellbeing.
Find out more, too, about our plans for WLIC, the Trend Report Update, and Honours and Awards! Read the full editorial → |
 |
Gerald Leitner
IFLA Secretary General |
|
|
|
IN THE FIELD |
|
IFLA President Barbara Lison delivered a speech at the 32nd Arab Federation of Libraries and Information Conference, on the subject: Librarian – a Profession with many Challenges. She also offered words of welcome at the Slovenian Library Association's Čop awards for outstanding achievements in the library field.
IFLA's President-elect Tonia Arahova; gave a keynote speech at the Visegrad Group conference on Impact and Influence: Cultural Innovations during COVID-19, as well as at the International Summit of the Book in Bihac, Bosnia, on the topic Books, Libraries, Internet, IFLA and COVID-19. A Visionary Pragmatic Relationship.
IFLA Secretary-General Gerald Leitner, meanwhile, participated in the Annual General Meeting of Blue Shield International, highlighting the importance of safeguarding documentary heritage, and the commitment of libraries to cooperation across the heritage sector. |
|
POLICY AND ADVOCACY |
 |
20 Trends, identified by emerging library leaders |
|
Will we see the importance of virtual services and spaces reinforced, or will there be an analogue backlash? Will we see further political polarisation and undermining of expertise, or will information literacy finally be recognised and valued? Will we see meaningful action in favour of equity and diversity, or just watch as inequalities grow? The 2021 Trend Report Update shares trends suggested by emerging library leaders from across the world, and ideas for how you can work with them! |
|
|
 |
What matters for libraries? Advocacy study webinar recording available |
|
Where and how do libraries advocate? What activities are libraries undertaking around the world to achieve their advocacy goals? IFLA's webinar "Lessons from the Library Advocacy Priorities Study" provides a starting point to think about the answers to these questions. Take a look at the recording now! |
|
|
 |
Supporting development in small island developing states |
|
A new IFLA briefing provides insights on the SAMOA Pathway – a key UN document on sustainability which provides a potential framework for securing greater recognition and new partnerships for libraries and library and information professionals in small island developing states. |
|
|
 |
The impacts of access |
|
A new working research paper by IFLA and Electronic Information for Libraries (EIFL) explores insights about the uses and benefits of public access to the internet in libraries emerging from recent reports and studies from different parts of the world, and the methodologies available for assessing these. |
|
|
 |
#1Lib1Ref: Your chance to broaden access to verifiable information |
|
Helping to improve and expand Wikipedia is a great way of supporting libraries' mission of providing access to information for all. You can do this by: |
|
|
> Adding a reference
> Creating a new article
> Organising events or meetings
> Creating WIkiData items for works on WikiSource
> Sharing! |
|
|
DEEP DIVE |
 |
Health as a Human Right: A Global Call to Action and Practical Steps |
|
In the early months of 2020, WHO Director General Tedros Ghebreyesus underlined that in addition to fighting a pandemic, the world also needed to reckon with an 'infodemic'. As argued by the speakers at the WLIC 2021 session on Access to health information as a human right, there is an urgent need for action to ensure that every person should have access to reliable health information and should be protected from misinformation. |
|
|
PROFESSIONAL + DEVELOPMENT |
 |
40 Years of the IFLA Section for Library Services to Multicultural Populations |
|
For 40 years, IFLA's Section for Library Services to Multicultural Populations has brought together libraries and institutions interested in the development and availability of library services designed to meet the needs of cultural and linguistic minorities.
Take a look at a special edition of the Section's newsletter, which describes vividly the impact of their work in helping to change mindsets, assist libraries to implement new services for underserved population groups, and make a positive difference for multicultural populations around the world. |
|
|
 |
Looking ahead on health |
|
The Pandemic has clearly focused minds on health, and how essential it is that we do not take it for granted. The right to health – and with it, the right to health information – have rapidly moved up the political agenda. Find out, therefore, about how IFLA's Health and Biosciences Section and Evidence for Global and Disaster Health Special Interest Group are planning to respond, and in particular, about the upcoming International Congress of Medical Librarianship. |
|
|
 |
Protecting library education in Ecuador |
|
IFLA's Regional Division Committee for Latin America and the Caribbean has been active in supporting the Ecuadorian librarians' association in fighting back against a proposal to close down library degree programmes in the country. |
|
|
OPEN CALLS |
|
IFLA Honours and Awards |
|
Do you know someone who has made an outstanding contribution to IFLA or to the global library field? IFLA's Honours and Awards recognise those who have given significant service and made distinguished contributions to the profession.
The deadline for submissions is 28 February 2022. |
|
|
IFLA PressReader International Marketing Award 2022 |
|
IFLA's Management and Marketing section is proud to continue its partnership with PressReader again this year to present the IFLA PressReader International Marketing Award for creative, impactful and inspiring library marketing initiatives.
The first, second, and third place winners will receive funds towards airfare, lodging, and registration to attend the IFLA World Library and Information Congress in Dublin, Ireland in July 2022. First place will receive €3,000, second place will receive €2,000, and third place will receive €1,500.
The submission deadline for the awards has been extended until 19 January 2022. |
|
|
IFLA Green Library Award 2022 |
|
Generously sponsored by De Gruyter Publishing, the IFLA Green Library Award is given to libraries and projects that best communicate their commitment to environmental sustainability. Through this, they create awareness of libraries' social responsibility and potential leadership role, and support the green library movement, from the global to the local level.
Prizes are available in two categories: Best Green Library, and Best Green Library Project, with special recognition for a project which has achieved major impact with minimal resources.
The deadline for submissions is 28 February 2022. |
|
|
 |
LOOKING FORWARD: WLIC 2022 |
|
Preparations for a vibrant professional programme at IFLA WLIC 2022 in Dublin are well underway, with registrations set to open via the official website later this month.
What steps can you take already?
1) Add 26-29 July, 2022 to your calendar ☘️
2) Ensure that your membership is valid, so you don't miss out on discounts!
3) Share the Exhibitor and Sponsorship Prospectus with your leaders and network
4) Read about the relevant visa requirements here: irishimmigration.ie
The Irish National Committee extend their greetings, noting that all delegates are assured of warm Irish hospitality, Céad Míle Fáilte – a Hundred Thousand Welcomes! |
|
IFLA exists thanks the generous support of our Members!
|
 |
Are you ready to build your connections within the global library field? |
|
|
|
NEW MEMBERS |
|
|
|
UPCOMING EVENTS |
|
25 January, 2022
06:00 CET |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
2 February, 2022
17:00 CET |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
3 February, 2022
02:00 CET |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
5 February, 2022
13:00 CET |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
LIBRARY MAP OF THE WORLD |
|
Check out the latest additions to the Library Map of the World Country Profiles:
Cyprus
The library field in the Republic of Cyprus has a strong potential for development and modernization, in order to bring all institutions up to the level of the most prominent academic libraries.
Cuba
Among the most significant achievements of libraries in Cuba is the unity that exists between the library sectors, regardless of the type of libraries to which each belong. They cooperate with each other in meeting the information needs to users and work together to uplift communities they serve.
Looking for stories to strengthen your advocacy?
Read how the Library System of the Catholic University of Córdoba in Argentina ensures children in vulnerable situations have access to early childhood development.
Learn how the Valapattanam Grama Panchayath Library in India enhances communication, learning and creativity among children in lockdown.
|
|
|
SOCIAL SPOTLIGHTWant to get featured here? Don't forget to use the #WeAreIFLA hashtag! |
|
|
|
|
