Tuesday, October 24, 2023

Vol. 3, No. 10: The Community-driven Initiatives Issue

October 2023  —  Vol. 3, No. 10
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THE COMMUNITY-DRIVEN INITIATIVES ISSUE

Welcome to the October edition of the IFLA Newsletter!


This month's theme is community-driven initiatives, reflecting the fact that this, in the UN system, is Urban October. The month recognizes the different challenges we face at both the regional and local levels, but also, and more importantly, how we can find solutions at these different levels and why we shouldn't rely on centralised tools and mechanisms.


Just last week, we were in Nairobi with over 50 colleagues from across Sub-Saharan Africa, discussing how IFLA can provide a platform and tools that can help in building sustainable library fields at the regional, national, and local levels.

Read the full editorial →

APPEAL FOR RESPECT FOR HUMAN RIGHTS, CULTURAL CONVENTIONS IN GAZA AND ISRAEL

Our hearts have been heavy as we have witnessed the suffering of Israeli and Palestinian civilians over the past weeks. The unfolding humanitarian crisis in the region bears a heavy reminder that in the face of conflict, it is innocent life that suffers the most. We wish to express our condolences and solidarity with our colleagues, library professionals, and all people who are suffering incomprehensible loss and pain in this time.


Calling for immediate humanitarian aid is of the highest priority. We implore all parties to uphold respect for human rights and dignity, in line with international law, and find a pathway to peace.


Within IFLA's mandate, we also express concern for the destruction of libraries, their collections, and cultural property of all kinds in the face of this conflict.


Read the appeal→

IN THE FIELD

IFLA's President Vicki McDonald and Secretary-General Sharon Memis participated in the International Council on Archives' Congress 2023, held in Abu Dhabi. In particular, Vicki joined a panel bringing together IFLA's sister organisations for museums and monuments to talk about the SDGs and wider areas of potential for collaboration. They also met and held discussions with the local library association, the Emirates Library and Information Association, in Dubai.

Also, both Vicki and Sharon played leading roles in our workshop on strong and sustainable library fields in Sub-Saharan Africa—read more on this below!

IFLA representatives were present at the Creative Commons Summit in Mexico City, Mexico, as well as the Internet Governance Forum in Kyoto, Japan.

GOVERNING BOARD

Members of the IFLA Governing Board held a virtual meeting on 5 October 2023.


Discussions focused on plans for IFLA's next Strategy, future World Library and Information Congresses, our Advisory Committees, and work towards a draft Code of Conduct for IFLA Volunteers.

Highlights →

MESSAGE FROM THE IFLA PRESIDENT

The last couple of years have been challenging for IFLA and painful for many individuals. Each of us has our own views on what could have been done differently – these views will be important to consider as we move forward.


The IFLA Governing Board is determined to reflect and learn from the past. It is recognised that we need to do better for our Federation to truly be the global voice of libraries. To move forward, healing needs to be a priority.

Vicki McDonalds

IFLA President 2023-2025

Read more →

POLICY AND ADVOCACY

IFLA Climate Survey: Have a look at preliminary results and add your input  

IFLA is working with partners to include libraries in global indicators for climate communication and education. This will be hugely beneficial for helping policymakers, researchers, and other stakeholders understand and measure the impact libraries have on empowering climate action. To achieve this, we are building a body of evidence with surveys on how libraries take part in climate communication and education.


It's not too late to get involved! Keep reading for a look at the preliminary results, then add your input by completing the survey.

Keep reading →
a man sitting at a table in a library

Get Involved in UNESCO Global Media and Information Literacy Week 2023: MIL in digital spaces

UNESCO, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation, firmly believes that media and information literacy (MIL) is a key skill for today's world. In the face of a seemingly endless amount of information, and with growing threats from mis- and disinformation, the need to build MIL competencies is greater than ever.

Get involved →

Evolutions in public access – zero draft of the Dynamic Coalition on Public Access in Libraries report

As part of our engagement at the UN Internet Governance Forum, we are happy to release a zero draft of the report of the Dynamic Coalition on Public Access in Libraries' report for 2023. 20 years on from the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) Plan of Action, which highlighted the role of public access at the global level, it looks at how this has evolved over time. 

Read more →
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Rio named as World Book Capital 2025

IFLA is happy to congratulate Rio de Janeiro on being awarded the title of World Book Capital City 2025, following a decision of the Director General of UNESCO, Audrey Azoulay. We look forward to working with Brazilian colleagues in order to ensure this highlights and strengthens libraries.

Read on →

PROFESSIONAL AND DEVELOPMENT

Out Now: October 2023 issue of IFLA Journal

The latest edition of IFLA Journal is now available and features eight original research articles on topics such as artificial intelligence, bibliotherapy, censorship, and copyright literacy. Also included is a case study on library training in South Africa and a review of emergency remote support and crisis-driven innovations in libraries during pandemic conditions.

Read the Journal →
a set of headphones sitting next to a laptop computer

CPDWL Podcast Series

The IFLA Continuing Professional Development and Workplace Learning (CPDWL) Section proudly features a unique initiative by Dr. Ray Pun, recent CPDWL Standing Committee member and current supporter of CPDWL, that has been connecting librarians globally since 2019 - the CPDWL Podcast series.


Pioneering the podcast platform, these sessions aim to facilitate continuous learning and enrich communication and cross-cultural dialogue among professionals in the field. Episodes, typically ranging from 20 to 45 minutes, offer an intimate and in-depth look at various topics, from leadership discussions to insights from newly published authors.

Tune in →
an open book in a library surrounded by bookshelves

IFLA C&YA Newsletter Special Edition – Book banning

Banned Books Week took place during the first week of October. The IFLA Libraries for Children and Young Adults Section produced a special edition of their newsletter to raise awareness, inspire conversations, and encourage advocacy for freedom to read around the world.


This issue contains articles from England, France, Kenya, Norway, Thailand and the United States on censorship and book challenges happening worldwide.  

Download the newsletter →

WLIC 2023 Braindate, IFLA Networks, and Accessibility Metadata

At WLIC in Rotterdam, during an impromptu meeting facilitated by Braindate, a group of attendees came together to discuss their shared interest in accessibility metadata.


Accessibility metadata is information recorded about accessibility features and hazards that are important for users with disabilities or special needs. This metadata allows a user to know how accessible a resource is before they borrow, download, or buy it.

Continue reading →
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Ljubljana Manifesto on Higher-Level Reading launched at Frankfurter Buchmesse

Higher-level reading exercises metacognition and cognitive patience, expands our conceptual capacities, and trains cognitive empathy and perspective-taking. All these social skills are indispensable for informed citizens in a democratic society.


As a signatory to this manifesto, IFLA joins the call to acknowledge the permanent significance of higher-level reading in the digital era.

Read Manifesto  →

REGIONAL FOCUS

a group of people posing for a picture in front of a building

A platform for finding solutions: IFLA workshop on strong and sustainable library fields in Sub-Saharan Africa

On 16-19 October, over 50 librarians from 32 Sub-Saharan African countries met in Nairobi, Kenya, to learn, share, and accelerate progress towards IFLA's goal of strong and sustainable library fields at all levels.


Across a varied set of exercises, participants looked to define the key steps that they could take to build sustainability, means of supporting the careers of emerging leaders and establish partnerships that contribute to achieving their own goals.

Read more →

Regional library fields: What does the data say?

IFLA has released a data-based analysis of library fields at the regional level around the world. Based on the data submitted to the Library Map of the World, this offers initial high-level insights in order to start conversations. Above all, it represents a call for ongoing work to increase and improve available data.

Insights →
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Libraries' role in advancing digital equity in Africa: Collaborative efforts at ITU Regional Development Forum for Africa 2023

IFLA was represented at the 2023 International Telecommunications Union Regional Development Forum for Africa, engaging with regulators, businesses, academics, and civil society partners to make the case for libraries to be integrated into wider digital inclusion plans and so realise their potential to become community innovation and co-creation hubs.

Read more →

OPEN CALLS

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Becoming a Co-opted IFLA Committee Member

The IFLA Professional Council invites expressions of interest from those wishing to serve as co-opted members on a Professional Unit Committee (Section or Special Interest Group) for the term 2023-2027.

At the heart of IFLA's work are its diverse professional committees, a network of enthusiastic and engaged volunteer experts who bring their knowledge and energy to make IFLA a strong and vibrant organisation. Discover a committee in your area of interest and learn more about what they do!

Learn more →

Call for papers: IFLA Journal Special Issue on Research Trends

The IFLA Journal and the IFLA Academic and Research Libraries Section are pleased to announce a call for papers for a special issue focusing on current trends in academic and research libraries. The issue will cover research trends ranging from scholarly communication initiatives to artificial intelligence to research impact and many others.

Relevant topics for papers can include, for example, innovation, management and services related to open access, research data management, responsible metrics, research integrity, AI and Chat GPT, systematic literature reviews, and many others.


The issue will be published in the fall or winter of 2024.

Read more →

Knowledge Rights 21: Call for initiatives

Want to help pave the way towards 21st-century access to research, education, and culture? We need you!


Submit your proposal for a national or EU initiative to make this ambition a reality and become part of the Knowledge Rights 21 programme and its growing network. The deadline is 5 November.

Submit a proposal →

WLIC 2023 ON-DEMAND

two people looking at a tablet in an office

Missed a session at WLIC? You still have time to catch up!

If you were a registered attendee, visit the conference platform and catch up on plenty of great sessions!


From the Public Library of the Year Award to sessions on bridging inequality in Africa, around the world in marketing campaigns, toxic librarianship and leadership, emerging leaders, the President's session, climate action, communicating impact and value in libraries, and a whole day of discussions about AI—there is so much to explore!


Make sure to use this incredible opportunity until 30 November 2023.

Dive in  →

Follow the WLIC social media accounts below to ensure you don't miss any updates!

UPCOMING EVENTS

Excited IFLA members, a button that says Join Now

NEW MEMBERS

IFLA warmly welcomes the following new member:

We look forward to your engagement and involvement!

SOCIAL SPOTLIGHT


Want to get featured here? Don't forget to use the #IFLA hashtag!

Not yet subscribed? Sign up 📩 to the IFLA Newsletter here →

Monday, October 23, 2023

Public Lecture on Role of the State in Financing Entrepreneurial Systems in South America: Insights for India | at CSLG, JNU on 27 October at 3:00 PM

Public Lecture o
Role of the State in Financing Entrepreneurial Systems in South America: Insights for India 
By
Manuel Gonzalo 
(Professor, Development Economics, National University of Quilmes, Argentina) 
Date: 27 October 2023 3:00 PM
Venue: Conference Room, Centre for the Study of Law and Governance, JNU
Jointly organised by Transdisciplinary Research Cluster on Frugality Studies (TRCFS) and Centre for the Study of Law and Governance (CSLG)
Chaired by: Saradindu Bhaduri (Coordinator, TRCFS & Associate Professor, Centre for Studies in Science Policy, JNU)

All are invited to attend.

CSSP Lecture on "Unsung Indian Musical Drums and the Science Behind Them" by Amitabha Bhattacharyya | 30th October at 3:30 pm

Centre for Studies in Science Policy 
Jawaharlal Nehru University

CSSP Lecture Series

Invites you to a Lecture on

 "Unsung Indian Musical Drums and the Science Behind Them"

by

Dr. Amitabha Bhattacharyya

(Associate Professor, Department of Physics, Sikkim University)

Venue: Room No. 225, 2nd Floor, CSSP, SSS-1 Building, JNU

Date: Monday, 30th October 2023 | Time: 3:30 pm

 

Abstract: The Indian sub-continent has a kind of traditional drums which are very special. Usual drums, like the western drums, and Indian drums Dhak, Dhol, Dholak, etc. produce sound which is not pleasant to the ear. The reason is that a simple vibrating stretched membrane produces sound of frequencies not related to harmonics. These instruments of indefinite pitch can be used only to provide a rhythm. On the other hand, there are special drums, which were classified by CV Raman as Musical Drums, Mridangam, Pakhawaj, Tabla, Khol, Pung, Naal, Dhimay, Sri Lankan Dholki and some more. The membrane of these drums is weighted at a certain point which makes it produce a sound with frequencies related to each other in ratios of small numbers, making the sound pleasant to the ear, just like string instruments. These are instruments of definite pitch. Classical music in India is incomplete without at least one such instrument. I will explain the differences between the classes of drums from the scientific point of view, along with the story of the construction and possible development of these drums.

 

All are welcome to attend the Lecture.

 

Coordinator, CSSP Lecture Series

Wednesday, October 18, 2023

Just Published "Handbook of Frugal Innovation" | Edited by Leliveld, Bhaduri, Knorringa, and van Beers, 2023

Handbook on Frugal Innovation
Edited by André Leliveld, Saradindu Bhaduri, Peter Knorringa, and Cees van Beers. Edward Elgar, 2023, ISBN: 9781788118873.

About the Book: This pioneering Handbook details the origins of the concept of frugal innovation, its emergence as an academic field of interest, and the main driving forces behind it. The book presents new empirical evidence and critical perspectives on what frugal innovation entails, from disciplines such as science and engineering, humanities, and social sciences.

Table of Contents 
1 Capturing frugal innovation: introduction to the Handbook on Frugal Innovation | André Leliveld, Saradindu Bhaduri, Peter Knorringa and Cees van Beers 
PART I INCLUDING FRUGAL INNOVATION THINKING IN DISCIPLINARY DEBATES
2 Anchoring: a historical perspective on frugal innovation | Miguel John Versluys and Ineke Sluiter 
3 Frugal innovation: some theoretical observations from innovation-economic and social-entrepreneurial perspectives | Cees van Beers and André Leliveld
4 The apolitical framing of frugal innovation in the global south: beyond the tales of scarcity, heroic inventors and techno-fixes | Mario Pansera
5 Frugality in innovation processes: a heuristics-based perspective from the 'informal economy' | Saradindu Bhaduri, Ariane Agnes Corradi, Hemant Kumar and Fayaz Ahmad Sheikh
PART II EMBEDDING FRUGAL INNOVATION IN TRANSDISCIPLINARY THEMATIC DEBATES
6 Frugal innovation and sustainability: bringing together polarized views from the state of the art | Stephanie Knizkov and Julia Arlinghaus
7 Frugal innovators as change agents in circular economy transitions | Jarkko Levänen, Eugenia Rosca and Sukyung Park
8 A gender lens for frugal innovation | Saskia Vossenberg and Solange Hai
9 Governing frugal innovation for sustainable development: the hybrid domain | Balaji Parthasarathy and Yuko Aoyama
10 Frugal innovation and legitimacy | Greetje Schouten and Peter Knorringa
11 Fairness institutions for frugal innovation | Haye Hazenberg and Saradindu Bhaduri
PART III TECHNOLOGY AS AN ENABLER
12 Value-sensitive design practices for frugal innovations | Neelke Doorn
13 The frugal design of a medical centrifuge: distributed production as a frugal technology to increase access to medical devices in low- and middle-income countries | Jan Carel Diehl, Temitope Agbana, G-Young Van, Ludo Hille Ris Lambers and Samenjo Karl Heinz Tondo
14 Frugal engineering solutions for recovery of resources from wastewater | Pamela Ceron-Chafla and Ralph E.F. Lindeboom
15 Engineering capabilities for frugal innovations: the case of a radiation-free cancer detection device | Christine Wimschneider-Weikl and Nivedita Agarwal
16 Design and engineering for frugal product development | Balkrishna C. Rao
17 Frugality and jugaad in science: evidence from a research laboratory | Pankaj Sekhsaria
18 ICTs as frugal innovations: enabling new pathways towards refugee self-reliance and resilience in fragile contexts? | Holly A. Ritchie
19 Frugal innovation and digital platforms | Erwin van Tuijl and Peter Knorringa
PART IV ACTORS, BUSINESS MODELS AND BLURRING BOUNDARIES
20 Lead markets, international business and frugal innovation | Rajnish Tiwari and Cornelius Herstatt
21 Frugal energy and the global markets of pico solar systems | Pascale Trompette and Céline Cholez
22 Frugal process innovation and local innovation systems – the case of a small producers' cluster in northern Vietnam | Jaap Voeten
23 Frugal innovation: balancing between value capture and value creation | Rachel Howell
24 Frugal innovation in public service delivery: reflections from case studies in Kenya | Elsie Onsongo
25 University–business cooperation for frugal innovation: a case study of the University of Campinas | Bruno Brandão Fischer, José Guimón and Paola Rücker Schaeffer
26 University-driven frugal innovations | Marjolijn Dijksterhuis, Sara Grobbelaar and Robert Tijssen

Tuesday, October 17, 2023

Knowledge to Action Online Academy 2024 | 22 January to 9 February | Apply before 8 November 2023

Knowledge to Action Online Academy 2024
22 January to 9 February 2024
Apply before 8 November 2023

About the Programme: South Asia's economic dynamism has triggered fast, deep social and ecological transformations alongside uneven development across the region. This has often occurred at the cost of environmental degradation, significantly affecting those at the margins of society. The UN Agenda 2030 – SDGs represent a globally negotiated agenda to address these challenges surrounding / including poverty, inequality, climate change, environmental degradation, peace and justice. The Knowledge 2Action Online Academy focuses on sustainable development, and means of contributing to its advancement across South Asia, especially in the post pandemic context. Join us for a 3-week online program that aims to contribute to a better understanding of the Sustainable Development  Goals (SDGs), by applying design thinking and translating knowledge into action, through curated sessions. Understanding what sustainable development means and how to contribute to its advancement in the landscape across South Asia, especially in the post-pandemic context, is crucial. The program is offered by the Clusters of Cooperation in the Global South (CLOC) and is sponsored by Swiss Universities Development and Cooperation Network (SUDAC).
We encourage Bachelor and Master students, early career researchers to apply. This course is open to individuals from all subject areas. Participants from Switzerland and South Asian countries are eligible to apply. The program has no tuition fees and is scholarship based for selected participants.
Applications must include the complete application form,  a curriculum vitae, a letter of motivation and a letter of recommendation from the direct supervisor/professor to whom the applicant reports at university/work. Apply before November 8, 2023.
On successful completion of the K2A academy, participants will receive a certificate from The University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Western Switzerland.

Sunday, October 8, 2023

Fwd: GIAN course on "Intellectual Property Rights, Innovation, and Economic Development" । 6-10 November

---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Ruchi Sharma <ruchi@iiti.ac.in>

IITI is organizing a GIAN course on "Intellectual Property Rights, Innovation, and Economic Development" from 6-10 November. Prof. Park is the guest faculty from American University. Please see the attached brochure. Interested members are welcome to reach out to me for more information. I look forward to active participation from the members of the Community. 
Thank you.
best regards,
ruchi

--
Ruchi Sharma 
Professor of Economics
School of Humanities and Social Sciences
Room no. 516, Pod 1D
IIT Indore, Simrol, M.P. India 453552
Phone: +91 7316603587

Thursday, October 5, 2023

Fwd: Open science awareness and practices among South Asian early career researchers

Dear all, 

UNESCO Chair in (Community-based Research and Social Responsibility in Higher Education) and DST- Centre for Policy Research at Indian Institute of Science Bengaluru, in partnership with Open Science South Asia Network (OSSAN) are excited to invite you to participate in a brief survey on Open Science awareness and practices among early career researchers and research students in South Asia. Your insights are invaluable to us, and your input will contribute to our understanding of this important area. The survey will take just 2-5 minutes to complete. 

As a token of our appreciation for your participation, we are offering a chance to win Amazon gift vouchers. Your responses will remain anonymous, and your contact information will be used solely for the purpose of the voucher giveaway. We kindly request that you also share this survey with your peers and colleagues within your research group or network. The more responses we gather, the richer our insights will be. 

Please click the following link to access the survey: https://forms.office.com/r/NPnGsLiLeA 

Thank you in advance for your time and contribution to this research initiative. Your support is greatly appreciated. 

Warm regards,