IFLA Newsletter, June 2023: The environment and climate issue š³
29 June 2023
The message below accompanies theĀ June 2023 edition of the IFLA Newsletter.
IFLA Newsletter, Vol. 3, No. 6
Iām very happy, for the first time as IFLA Secretary General, to welcome you to our newsletter.
As our members and anyone on our mailing list will know, weāre in the middle of tough discussions about our Congress next year ā discussions that will have an impact on the future of our Federation.
But this should not stop us celebrating the great work taking place right now. Over my first weeks, I have been consistently impressed at the commitment, diligence and thoughtfulness of everyone I have had the chance to work with so far, among our Governing Board, volunteer community, and Headquarters team.
My goal as Secretary General is to ensure that the dedication and ability of librarians and libraries is understood by everyone. We need leaders and decision-makers in every area and every part of the world to see why libraries matter, and why it is in their interest to work with us.
A great example of this is the growing recognition of the role of libraries in environment and climate action, the theme of this monthās newsletter.
Clearly, this is a fundamental issue for all of us, and the communities we serve. But we do not just need to be victims. Rather, libraries do have a clear and concrete role to play in helping to reduce temperature rises, cope with the change that is already happening, and mobilise populations.
I hope therefore that the examples of support for climate action shared in this newsletter will not just inspire further commitment within our field, but be heard outside.
The other big theme of our newsletter this month is of course our upcoming World Library and Information Congress in Rotterdam. Thanks to the work of our volunteers and the Dutch National Committee, we have a really exciting programme planned, full of innovation and insight.
You can also catch up on the latest work of our professional and regional units, as well as our work around advocacy. We also welcome new members and look ahead to upcoming events or your diary.
Happy reading!Ā
Sharon Memis
IFLA Secretary General